Traverse City TIF Conversations Heat Up as Ballot Committees Form, Walk Through of the New Michigan Septic Replacement Loan Program on June 25th, Leland Township Continues Consideration of Residential Character Amendment
Traverse City politics are picking up steam as not one, but potentially two ballot proposals will be considered by Traverse City voters in November related to Tax Increment Financing. Register for a walk-through of the New Michigan Septic Replacement Loan Program on June 25th with loans that can fund needed repairs and replacement of septic systems. Leland Township Planning Commission recommendations altering and reducing the lot coverage in Leland Township R-1A, R-2, and R-3 zoning districts.
1. Traverse City TIF Conversations Heat Up as Ballot Committees Form
This coming November 5th election, Traverse City residents will have one, possibly two City Charter Amendments to consider. One ballot proposal was submitted by petition in November of last year and approved to be placed on the November 2024 ballot. If approved by voters in November, this ballot proposal would establish a city charter amendment requiring the approval of Traverse City voters in an election for all Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Plans before they could be adopted or approved by the City of City Commission. Now a second ballot petition has been submitted and is currently being reviewed by the Traverse City Clerk’s Office. This second ballot petition would establish a city charter amendment requiring a majority approval of Traverse City voters in an election before any and all ordinances to extend, amend, and/or modify the TIF97 Development Plan can be considered by Traverse City. A citizen group under the name TC Taxpayers for Justice was formed to lead these ballot petition efforts and to work to support their adoption. In opposition to these two ballot proposals a group under the name, Traverse Together has formed.
The Aspire North REALTORS® Public Policy Committee recommended to the Aspire North REALTORS® Board of Directors to oppose the approved ballot proposal a position which was approved at the April 26th Aspire North REALTOR® Board Meeting. Opposition to this ballot proposal was recommended due to concerns about the negative effects these efforts could have on various TIF programs utilized to fund housing development projects including Traverse City’s TIF97 and the Michigan Brownfield Redevelopment Program. Opposition was also recommended based on Aspire North REALTORS® Advocacy Priorities to Define and Incentivize Housing Attainability and Availability as well as Support Infrastructure Development that Supports Housing Development. Aspire North REALTORS® is now working with the National Association of REALTORS® to conduct local issues polling of Traverse City voters on these ballot proposals to determine our association's potential next steps. If you have any questions or would like to get involved contact me at connor@aspirenorthrealtors.com or 231-944-8315.
2. Walk Through of the New Michigan Septic Replacement Loan Program on June 25th
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has partnered with Michigan Saves to provide the Septic Replacement Loan Program (SRLP), low-interest financing to Michigan homeowners for the replacement of failing or near-failing septic systems. Loans will range from $1,000 to $50,000 per project and homeowners work with an authorized septic installation contractor for needed repairs and replacement. EGLE and Michigan Saves will be walking through this new Michigan Septic Replacement Loan Program on Tuesday, June 25th at 4 pm. For more information or to register to attend, CLICK THIS LINK. This program is limited to 500 virtual attendees, so if you are interested register today!
3. Leland Township Continues Consideration of Residential Character Amendment
The Leelanau County Planning Commission on May 28th, 2024, (pages 7 to 14, with additional supplemental information on pages 15 to 71) reviewed the Leland Township Planning Commission’s recommendations to amend Sections 9.10, 11.02, 11.03, and 11.05 of the Leland Township Zoning Ordinance. The objective of these zoning ordinance changes is to limit the ability to build very large homes in Leeland Township. This is being done by altering and ultimately reducing the lot coverage in the R-1A, R-2, and R-3 zoning districts. This idea was originally introduced in October 2017 and has been discussed for many years. The Leland Township Planning Commission most recently met at their June 3rd, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting to review the comments received from the Leelanau County Planning Commission for their Residential Character Amendment. Minutes from the June 3rd Leland Township Planning Commission Meeting are not currently available. When published these minutes will be available HERE.
