The developers behind a proposed nine-story mixed-used development at the corner of Pine and Front streets have resubmitted a special land use permit (SLUP) application to the city for the project. Property owners Erik Falconer and Joe Sarafa - along with The Woda's Group Craig Patterson - withdrew their original permit application on September 3 amid public controversy over the proposed building height. In a letter addressing their withdrawal, the developers said it had "become clear that there remain questions and concerns, and we feel obliged to take the time necessary to address those."

City Planning and Engineering Assistant Missy Luick confirms Falconer has resubmitted the SLUP application, with city planning commissioners set to review the project tonight (Tuesday) at their 7:30pm meeting at the Governmental Center. If planning commissioners support scheduling the SLUP for possible introduction tonight, a public hearing and planning commission vote will be set for November 3. The application would then proceed to the city commission for review, albeit with a new make-up of commissoners; the city election is November 3. Luick notes that while some "small architectural changes" have been made to the project plans, the resubmitted application is nearly identical to the original.

Meanwhile, City Attorney Lauren Trible-Laucht says she is reviewing ballot language this week submitted by city resident Brenda Quick for a possible referendum on banning tall buildings in Traverse City. By city charter, Trible-Laucht must approve the ballot language before petition organizers can begin collecting signatures to try and put the issue to a public vote. "I haven't had any time to spend with it yet...I hope to (make a decision) by the end of the week," Trible-Laucht says.