Traverse City Planning Commission Approves Nine Story Development Site Plan

A proposed nine story building in Downtown Traverse City was back in front of the City Planning Commission tonight.

They approved the site plan by a vote of four to two.

The commission first approved the plan unanimously in November.

But a wording error in the motion had the item back on their agenda tonight.

This mistake comes in the heat of a lawsuit recently filed against the city.

A Circuit Court Judge scheduled will listen to the arguments Friday from those who oppose the plan and from the city.

“There are many concerns here. It seems like what you’re proposing tonight puts the cart before the horse. There is a court hearing coming up because over 800 people have indicated questions about this development,” said one resident.

Some people feel the plan is being rushed and new commissioners on the planning committee should take a closer look.

“How can you reasonably and philosophically approve a nine story building that will stand out like a sore thumb? This is not in keeping with the character of this city and this development should not be approved,” questioned another resident.

Concern was also raised over the environmental issues that could be caused by the project, something the developer’s attorney addressed.

The type of contamination present, metal lead, arsenic are things that do not volatilize, aerosolize they do not become part of the airborne environment.

Others spoke in favor of the nine story building, saying it will help grow downtown.

“I however speak as one that appreciates vision I support the courage and the vision by the developers related to this project the nebulous argument about character of the neighborhood disregards the other very large building a stone’s throw away,” said a resident.

With the Planning Commission’s approval tonight, the site plan goes to the full City Commission for consideration.