HOUSING ON CITY COMMISSION AGENDA

ZONING AMENDMENTS & REDEVELOPMENT OF CITY PROPERTY UNDER CONSIDERATION

Zoning Ordinance Amendments Agenda Item

At their October 16, 2023 meeting, the City Commission will consider adoption of proposed amendments to the Traverse City Code of Ordinances to allow additional dwelling types and to modify dimensional standards in the R-1a, R-1b and R-2 residential zoning districts.

Proposed Amendments to be Considered

Special Land Use Regulations

• Reduce minimum lot size from five acres to one acre
• Switch from a City Commission SLUP to an Administrative SLUP

R-1a and R-1b Single-Family Dwelling District Modifications

• Reduce minimum lot width in the R-1a from 90 ft to 70 ft
• Reduce minimum lot width in the R-1b from 45 ft to 35 ft
• Reduce minimum lot area in the R-1a from 9,000 sf to 7,000 sf
• Reduce minimum lot area in the R-1b from 5,000 sf to 4,000 sf
• Increase maximum impervious area in the R-1a from 30% to 35%
• Option to increase maximum impervious area in the R-1b from 45% to 50% subject to complying with standards
• Increase maximum impervious area in the R-1a from 40% to 50%

Two Principle Dwellings in R-1a/b

• Allow two single family dwellings on lots that are twice the minimum area without a lot split

Increase Density in the R-1a/b District

• Allow duplexes by right

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Modifications

• Remove the annual cap of 15 permitted ADUs
• Allow ADUs with duplexes in the R-2, also the requirement that the property owner live in either the principal residence or the accessory dwelling unit would remain.

Redevelopment of City Property Agenda Item

Also at the October 16, 2023 meeting, the City Commission will consider approval for the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) concerning the redevelopment of three contiguous city-owned properties. These properties are located at 715 Beitner, 723 Beitner, and 535 Woodmere, and the focus of this initiative is to address workforce housing needs.

On January 17, 2023, the Beitner Property Ad Hoc Committee was established with the purpose of developing an RFP tailored to the requirements of workforce housing. City staff, in collaboration with the City Commission Ad Hoc Committee, engaged the services of Mission North to evaluate the feasibility of the property and draft the RFP. The proposal to issue an RFP seeks to encourage submissions from potential developers and stakeholders interested in contributing to the development of workforce housing options in the City.

In 2022, the City Commission's adopted Goals and Objectives identified housing and homelessness as a strategic priority with a goal to increase opportunities for more diverse housing through public and private options.

OAKWOOD CEMETERY FALL MAINTENANCE

Starting this month, the dedicated team at Oakwood Cemetery will embark on their annual autumn maintenance. The City kindly requests that all items currently adorning cemetery plots be removed without delay. Any items left unattended will be removed and disposed of.

Beginning December 1st, winter wreaths are warmly welcomed on the plots. Additional items may not be placed until May 7th.

Questions may be directed to the cemetery at (231) 922-4907.

LEAF PICK UP BEGINS OCTOBER 23RD

The Fall Loose Leaf Pick Up will begin Monday, October 23rd in City neighborhoods beginning on the west side and moving eastward, over a period of 5 to 7 weekdays. Crews will then will return to the west side to repeat the process. Leaves must be kept off the street until October 19th. 

Due to construction, residents on Madison and Jefferson who have alley access, should place leaves in the alley. Those with no alley access (100 and 400 block of Madison - west side of the road) should place leaves in the roadway. 

TCFD ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE

Join the Traverse City Fire Department (TCFD) at their annual Open House on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from noon - 3 pm at Station 1, 500 W. Front Street.

The public is invited to learn about the important work that firefighters do and ask questions about fire safety and prevention.

Attendees can enjoy checking out turnout gear, fire trucks, a hands-on activity center, as well as meeting the team from the Traverse City Fire Department, visits with the Traverse City Police Department.

ELIZABETH VOGEL APPOINTED AS CITY MANAGER

VOGEL TO BEGIN JANUARY 2, 2024

At their October 9, 2023 meeting, the City Commission approved a contract agreement with the new City Manager Elizabeth Vogel. As the Administrator and Chief Financial Officer for Missaukee County since 2021, Vogel has been responsible for the preparation of the annual County budget, creating and annually updating the six-year capital improvement plan, supervising nine County Departments, and determining the strategy for the bargaining and administration of all labor agreements, among many other duties.

Prior to Missaukee County, Vogel served as the Deputy Supervisor for Clinton Township. She is a graduate of Albion College, and has a Master of Arts from Loyola University, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Baker College. She is also an International City/County Management Association Credentialed Manager.

Please join the City in giving her a warm welcome!

IN THE COMMUNITY

PUBLIC POWER WEEK

The team at Traverse City Light & Power celebrated Public Power Week, October 2nd - 6th, by visiting a local elementary school to educate children on electrical safety, and answer their questions.

As your local and community-powered utility, TCLP takes pride in serving you and helping to educate the next generation.