TRAVERSE CITY — The Traverse City City Commission will meet Monday, with the big topic on the agenda being the second of two public hearings on adopting an Annual Action Plan for the 2025-26 Community Block Grant.
The city adopted a consolidated 5-year plan in August of last year. This comes on the heels of their approval of Safer Harbor becoming a year-round shelter for the homeless.
The plan, from Deputy City Planner/Sustainability Coordinator, Leslie Sickterman, outlined goals for the program. They estimate spending $365,323. That’s the same amount they spent in the first year.
- Goal One: Help with the construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing and lowering economic barriers to housing for low and moderate-income households, including seniors and high-priority homeless.
- Goal Two: Support community and economic development projects, including public facility or infrastructure improvements and social services. Work with City Parks and Recreation and Engineering departments to identify high-priority infrastructure needs for low and moderate income areas.
- Goal Three: Support shelters and services for the homeless or people at risk of becoming homeless.
- Goal Four: Support program administration, including technical assistance with program requirements and environmental reviews as needed; and expert assistance with training, advocacy, and information sharing relating to furthering fair housing in compliance with the Consolidated Plan.
During the public hearing, city commissioners will affirm their unanimous decision to approve a Special Land Use Permit for the Safe Harbor Emergency Shelter to operate year-round.
The public hearing for this will be at the Traverse City City Commission meeting, Monday, May 12 on the second floor of the Governmental Cente at 400 Boardman Ave.