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January 14, 2010

Estimates sought on bayfront improvements

By SHERI McWHIRTER

TRAVERSE CITY -- A revitalized Traverse City bayfront is moving closer to reality.

City officials issued a request for proposals this week that seeks firms to bid on engineering designs and detailed cost estimates for bayfront improvements. The idea is to overhaul a two-mile stretch along West Grand Traverse Bay centered at the former zoo property.

"This is the necessary first step to fixing up the bayfront," said Mayor Chris Bzdok.

Plans call for new and upgraded restrooms, playground equipment and beach and trail improvements, among other options. Ideas were generated during the mid-decade "Your Bay, Your Say" planning process.

"You take the master plan and public input and then develop a design," said Nate Elkins, chairman of the city's Parks and Recreation Commission, the board that is spearheading the bayfront project.

A design consultant could be hired by early March, but major on-the-ground work may not happen for another full construction season as planning and fundraising ensues, he said.

"I'd like to see it spruced up a bit," said Christine Langschwager, a city parks and recreation commissioner. "I'd like to see the grass a little greener and I'd like to see some shady spots at the beach with some more benches where people can go sit."

The goal is to achieve a more attractive waterfront with amenities that create a dynamic public space, Langschwager said.

A request for proposals for engineering plans and cost estimates will be due in February. Traverse City's Downtown Development Authority budgeted $100,000 to pay for designs, said Rob Bacigalupi, acting DDA executive director.

The bayfront overhaul is expected to become a multi-million dollar project, likely to be completed in phases. It's not yet known how the project will be funded; the money source may be decided by voters.

"The residents of the city have certain priorities in terms of what they'd like," Bzdok said.

That includes an important item: safe pedestrian crossings at Grandview Parkway, he said.

City voters may be asked if they'd support spending money from the Brown Bridge Trust Fund on bayfront improvements once a detailed plan is developed and potential costs are known, Bzdok said. A possible city or countywide millage is another idea voters would have to consider, Elkins said.

Additional funding options include local, state, federal and foundation grant dollars that could be combined with matching city money.

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