Traverse City Record-Eagle

Election 2009

August 17, 2009

Ballot is next step for Division overhaul

By Sheri McWhirter

TRAVERSE CITY -- City commissioners are on the clock to get a November ballot question ready for city voters as part of a possible overhaul of Division Street.

The commission will hold a special meeting Thursday night to decide whether to ask voters on Nov. 3 for permission to capture additional right-of-way from park land at the Grand Traverse Commons, to be used for possible street widening on Division Street (U.S. 31) by the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Trouble is, voters would have to decide on the park land question before knowing what street design they'd end up with.

"It's really unfortunate this procedure is backwards," Commissioner Barbara Budros said.

MDOT must complete an up to 18-month study to compare various design alternatives. It's a process that falls under the National Environmental Policy Act and must be completed before any construction on Division Street is considered.

MDOT won't begin the study until it's known whether additional right-of-way property is available for a possible street expansion. Additionally, no design alternatives would be available for voters to review before they decide on the park land easement question.

City officials don't have to turn over the requested 30-foot easement from 14th Street to beyond Eighth Street, even if voters give them permission. The city can withhold the easement if they aren't pleased with the final design plans, Mayor Michael Estes said.

"The City Commission does not have to agree with MDOT designs. The city does not have to turn over the easement," he said.

But voters have to decide whether to give city officials the option.

"If they want city officials involved with MDOT on this decision, they have to vote yes on this," Budros said.

The issue will be addressed in a special session, and not at tonight's regular meeting, because Estes wants all commissioners to attend. Commissioner Deni Scrudato is out of town and will miss tonight's meeting.

Commissioners tonight also will consider a $15,000-plus contract with Northwestern Michigan College to complete a citizen survey. A proposed zoning ordinance amendment to allow city residents to keep chickens will be introduced, with a final decision on that issue coming next month.

Both meetings start at 7 p.m. at the Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Ave.

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