At its August 18 meeting, the City Commission of Traverse City approved three different requests related to the potential development of an Old Town parking deck. Items that were approved included:

• The reimbursement of expenses from the sale of bonds
• Submitting a Letter of Intent to the State of Michigan for a Community Development Block Grant for infrastructure improvements and property purchase
• Approval of options and purchase agreements with ATS Facilities and Old Town of Traverse City, Inc.

The Chamber is helping to create a groundswell of support for growth and development in the Old Town district and has created a video featuring local testimonies in support of a deck and the positive results that would come from such a project. You can watch this special presentation, entitled "Reviving Old Town," on the right of your screen.

Additionally, a citizen-led effort called Reviving Old Town has created an Old Town Fact Sheet for TC residents and is conducting a petition drive in support of an Old Town parking deck. The Chamber is also offering a forum on its website for members to share feedback and letters of support for the project. (Note: You will need to log in as a member in order to view or post in the Old Town forum.)

The City is scheduled to discuss and consider approval of a Developer Agreement(s) and Resolution of Intent to move forward with a deck at its September 15 meeting. This City Commission meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the Governmental Center on Boardman Ave. If you would like to show your support for this development opportunity, please plan on attending the September 15 City Commission Meeting, and utilize the Chamber and Reviving Old Town resources to learn more about the process and share your support for a proposed Old Town deck.