City Eyes Next Steps for Complete Streets, Bijou/Carnegie Buildings

A long-discussed complete streets policy will head to Traverse City commissioners for a first look Monday. Commissioners are not expected to approve the new policy until December, however – allowing any new commissioners to be seated post-election and weigh-in before the policy is finalized. A discussion on the future of the Bijou by the Bay and Carnegie Building – originally slated for this week – has been moved to December for the same reason, according to Interim City Manager Benjamin Marentette.

Complete Streets Policy
An ad hoc committee of commissioners who have worked extensively on a new complete streets policy will send a draft to the commission for review Monday.

Commissioners voted in 2022 to update a resolution affirming the city’s commitment to complete streets. Complete streets are defined as “a design framework that enables safe and convenient access for all users of various modes of transportation including bicycling, walking, rolling, micromobility, and public transportation,” according to the resolution. Commissioner Tim Werner, who proposed the updated resolution, also drafted a policy outlining specific standards and metrics for implementing the city’s commitment. Commissioners held off on approving Werner’s version, however, opting instead to appoint an ad hoc committee to draft a new policy that would return for board approval.

That process has stretched out in part to encompass other planning efforts the city simultaneously tackled, including creating a new city master plan and Mobility Action Plan. A complete streets draft is now ready for consideration, which aims to “set clear, measurable goals so that progress may be fairly evaluated” as the city strives to create an “equitable and effective transportation network where all users can travel safely, conveniently, and efficiently.” While the policy will apply citywide, it calls for prioritizing improvements “in historically underinvested and underserved neighborhoods,” including those with low-income populations, high senior residency, youth, or limited mobility options.

The policy requires the city to apply complete streets principles “to all transportation projects, including new construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, repaving, restriping, and rehabilitation.” Exceptions – which would require commission approval – could be granted when improvements don’t meet minimum safety standards or are excessively costly in relation to the cost of the larger project. The policy acknowledges that not every form of transportation is right for every street, promoting instead a “network approach” that considers traffic volumes, key corridors, emergency routes, and other factors “to accommodate all users in a holistic manner.”

An appointed advisory committee would give input to staff and commissioners on project priorities and review plans for compliance. The seven-member committee would consist of one commissioner, the city manager/designee, and five residents. The policy also cements the city’s commitment to allocating one percent of the annual budget to complete streets projects. Commissioners made that budget allocation in 2025-26 to the tune of $253,400. Interim City Manager Benjamin Marentette notes that because the policy sets a “default of financial investment” in complete streets with rare exceptions, commissioners might want to increase that allocation – or be aware that projects could come in at a higher cost to accommodate additional amenities.

“That will be an important consideration for the commission and an obligation of the city manager to share openly what those costs are,” he says. “When we’re bidding projects, those things will be itemized. It’s a values decision that ultimately lies with the commission.”

While the draft policy will be introduced to commissioners Monday, they are not expected to take any action that night. Marentette says staff need more time to create an accompanying flowchart that will clearly outline the design and bidding process for projects, including when the advisory committee review occurs. Also, with the election looming November 4 – which will bring commission turnover – Marentette wants to wait until after the new board is seated November 10 to finalize the policy. That means a vote on the policy will likely occur in December, he says.

Bijou/Carnegie
The election turnover is also why a discussion on the future of the Bijou by the Bay and Carnegie Building –originally slated for this week – has been moved to a December 8 study session. The new commission will consider using a request-for-proposals (RFP) process to determine the next long-term tenants for both sites. The Bijou has sat vacant since the Traverse City Film Festival terminated its lease last year, while Crooked Tree Arts Center’s lease for the Carnegie Building expires in October 2026. Multiple parties have expressed interest in leasing the two city-owned buildings, leading to the consideration of an RFP as the most equitable way to decide who gets to utilize the properties.

The timing of the study session means the commission could either vote at their December 15 regular meeting to approve and issue the RFP – or hold off until the new year. Once issued, RFP processes typically take at least a few months to go through, including gathering bids and then reviewing and selecting tenants. That schedule could put a time constraint on Crooked Tree in 2026, given its October lease termination. While Marentette points out that Crooked Tree could easily remain in the building if selected through the RFP, he says the city will “certainly be sensitive” to timing pressures and work with existing tenants throughout the RFP process.