Happy February from the YP Blog and
Blogger Adam Rhoades. This is the first
official blog I have ever written. The
blogs will have a fun new format with a slew of information and updates from
TCAPS, Grand Traverse County, Garfield Township, and City of Traverse
City. We will also have guest bloggers,
new business highlights as well as a ton of other random, funny, intriguing, and
grasping information.
Here is a small tidbit about
myself. I grew up in Ottawa Lake,
Michigan, which is 5 minutes from Toledo, Ohio.
I majored in Marketing and Professional Golf Management at Ferris State
University. I met my wife Kaitlin at
Ferris State who grew up in Suttons Bay.
We spent 4 years away from Michigan in Austin, Texas but then moved back
to Traverse City a few years ago. I
currently work at Traverse City State Bank and Grand Traverse Resort and
Spa. I still try to grow the game of
golf teaching golf lessons at The Crown Golf Club when the ground is not snow
covered. I became involved in the
Traverse City Young Professionals late summer last year, and it has been very
rewarding meeting some amazing people.
To everyone who reads this, I highly recommend you get involved as much
as you can especially if you plan on living in the area the rest of your
life. The network you grow personally
and professionally is priceless.
I am not sure if there is a correct
format for blogs, but I have decided that each week I will share something with
you that is relevant to what is going on in the community. And of course I would love feedback. This month I wanted to focus on the
importance and lack of affordable housing.
We all know that the big talk in the past
6 months or so has been the housing market in this area and the lack of
affordable housing available especially to young professionals who are new to
the area, have been here a while or even want to move back “home.” This topic of conversation has affected my
wife and me since we moved back to the area in 2012. We were used to living in Austin, where you
could find a great place to live at an affordable price that was not far from
downtown.
When we first moved back we had to move in with her mom for 6 months then move in with her dad for another 5 months before we became very lucky and found a top floor of a triplex next to the airport. We searched high and low for any housing options even living in Northport after fixing up an old farmhouse that her grandparents own and commuting to Traverse City to work. After renting our small little place for over 2 years, we were needing a house with the hopes of expanding our family. We searched and found a few places, made a few offers, but they all needed so much work that we would not be able to afford them. We even placed an offer on a condo before that fell through the floor. The whole process that should be a great step in life became deflating and hopeless.
When we first moved back we had to move in with her mom for 6 months then move in with her dad for another 5 months before we became very lucky and found a top floor of a triplex next to the airport. We searched high and low for any housing options even living in Northport after fixing up an old farmhouse that her grandparents own and commuting to Traverse City to work. After renting our small little place for over 2 years, we were needing a house with the hopes of expanding our family. We searched and found a few places, made a few offers, but they all needed so much work that we would not be able to afford them. We even placed an offer on a condo before that fell through the floor. The whole process that should be a great step in life became deflating and hopeless.
After looking through what must have been
hundreds of listings and emails, my wife and I found a great place in a great
location, which would put us closer to her parents. The process to get the house that we are in
was crazy. We looked at the house at 7:00am,
put in an offer 30 minutes later, and quickly found out there was another
offer. We were bummed of course because
the house had not even been on the market for 24 hours. We offered more than listing price knowing
the place needed a good amount of work, but we were ready for the renovation project. We wrote a letter, we emailed the listing
agent, and even starting talking to the seller begging him to take our offer
telling him our story and how his house fit us perfectly. After putting in an offer beginning of August,
we finally closed on the house October 5th.
We had high hopes of moving in after doing
some small renovations to our new house, which was built in the mid 40’s, but
that quickly changed when we started taking up the carpet and taking down the
wall paper and walls. We ended up
renovating for 3 months nonstop with a ton of help from friends and family to
officially move in December 31. Needless
to say, we have continued working on the inside of the house since we have
moved in finishing projects and other cosmetic items.
I wanted to share my story with you to
stress how important affordable housing is in any growing city. There have been several instances in the past
few years where we had intentions of leaving the area due to the lack of
housing. I believe the success to a
strong economy, you need to offer affordable housing to professionals who are
new to area and to also attract new professionals and potential business owners.
There are several developments occurring
in the area, but the one that has the most impact on the YP’s is the Pine Street
building. The huge benefit of the new
Pine Street development is the amount of money it will bring to local
businesses especially during the winter and spring months. It also gives us the answer to the question
of where is all the affordable housing the area so badly needs.
Dr. Brandon Larabee
I
would like to introduce to you Dr. Brandon Larabee, who is opening a brand new
chiropractic practice here in Traverse City.
Here is a small write up about Dr. Brandon and his practice. He is one of our new Young Professionals of
Traverse City.
Pathways Chiropractic is opening with a mission to
empower others to achieve their optimal potential through chiropractic care.
Owner Dr. Brandon Larabee believes that a well-functioning nervous system is
necessary for living a happy, healthy life. He explains, “Chiropractic
adjustments reduce stress in the spine. As a result, clear pathways of
communication are restored between the body and the brain.”
A focus at Pathways Chiropractic is
to make regular adjustments easily accessible. He says you can expect most
visits to last about 10 minutes from door to door. What makes care here so
quick? “We work with intent and efficiency, so that seeing a chiropractor fits
easily into people’s lives rather than being a destination,” says Dr. Brandon.
One aspect of Pathways Chiropractic’s system that makes it so efficient is an
open adjusting area. Dr. Brandon chose this design so he can provide
adjustments quickly without compromising the quality of his care. He says, “An
open adjusting area also reduces anxiety for those receiving a first time
adjustment, allows parents to keep a close eye on their children, and promotes
camaraderie among members.” Dr. Brandon is confident that his office will
foster a wellness-oriented community where people can find natural solutions
for living better.
The office is located in Suite C at 1001 Bay Street in
Traverse City. The building is parallel to West Grandview Parkway about halfway
between North Division Street and Tom’s Food Market, facing the base of West
Arm of Grand Traverse Bay. Pathways Chiropractic will be opening on February 15,
2016. Until then, check them out at www.pathwaysofmi.com
or call (231) 714-4112 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Traverse City Area Public Schools Update
TCAPS Recommendation to Board of
Education about Possible Building Closures —January 25th On Monday, January 25, 2016, TCAPS will make a
recommendation to the Board of Education about three elementary school
buildings with K-5 enrollment of less than 200 students. TCAPS has been
exploring redirecting the overhead expenses of maintaining these buildings as a
potential option to help preserve TCAPS’
comprehensive and award-winning academic and extracurricular student
programming,
while keeping class sizes in check, providing adequate compensation for staff,
and remaining financially responsible with the community’s investment in its
schools. After the recommendation is presented, there will be opportunities for
the Board to discuss the recommendation at committee and full board meetings
during the month of February. The Board of Education is then expected to take
action on the recommendation at their meeting on March 7, 2016. Learn more
about the effort to examine buildings with less than 200 K-5 students here: www.tcaps.net/strategic-financial-planning.
Board of Education Coffee
Conversation—January 28th
On Thursday, January 28, 2016, the Traverse City Area
Public Schools Board of Education will host its monthly Coffee Conversation
from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Horizon Books (243 E. Front Street). The January
Coffee Conversation topic is “Low Enrollment Buildings.” Time will also be
allotted at the meeting for attendees wishing to discuss other topics of
interest with board members. The next Coffee Conversation will be held on
Thursday, February 25th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Traverse City Central High School Presents
Footloose
Traverse City
Central High School will present Footloose the Musical beginning
Thursday, January 28, 2016 and running through Sunday, February 7, 2016.
Thursday-Saturday evening performances start at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday matinee performances
begin at 3:00 p.m. at the newly renovated Central High School auditorium (1150
Milliken Dr.). General admission is $17, $12 for students, and $12 for seniors
over 60. Tickets are available at: www.mynorthtickets.com.
2016 TCAPS Preschool Enrollment Fair –
February 13, 2016 – 10 AM – 12:30 PM: Families wishing to
enroll their child in preschool next year are invited to attend TCAPS’
preschool enrollment fair to learn more about TCAPS preschool programs, tour a
classroom and/or complete the registration process. The fair will be held at
Eastern Elementary School (1600 Eastern Ave.). For more information, please
call 231.933.1759 or visit: http://www.tcaps.net/programs/preschool.
Traverse City Central High School Hall of
Fame Seeks Nominations for 2016 Induction Class
Nominations are being accepted for
the Traverse City Central High School Hall of Fame’s 2016 induction class. The
nominator is required to provide a completed nomination form, photo of the
candidate, and three letters of support for the candidate. Nominations must be
received at the TC Central principal’s office by 3:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29,
2016. Hall of Fame application: http://tinyurl.com/CHSHallofFame.
Grand
Traverse County Update
January 2016
Easling Pool Open
Easling Pool at the Civic Center Park is open under Grand
Traverse Bay YMCA’s management. “Y Central” at the Civic Center will feature a
fitness facility in the former meeting room. For more information, contact the
YMCA at 231-486-6357.
Camping Reservations
Reservations for camping on Power Island-Bassett Island
this summer are being taken by the Parks and Recreation Department. The number
of campsites have increased from four to ten, with five sites on Bassett Island
and five on Power Island. Call 231-922-4818 or visit http://www.grandtraverse.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Power-Island-Bassett-Island-8.
Winter Parking Ordinance
The Winter Parking Ordinance prohibiting the parking of
motor vehicles on public roadways and shoulders of roads in Grand Traverse
County from December 1 to March 31 between the hours of 12:00 a.m. (midnight)
and 8:00 a.m. and during snow emergencies is in effect. Violators are subject
to fine plus prosecution costs.
Garfield
Township Update
·
Personal
Property Exemption affidavits are due February 10, 2016 for any business with
less than $80,000 true cash value of personal property. You can find the form
5076 at your local Assessing Department.
·
Planet
Fitness has begun the necessary steps to ensure a March 2016 opening. You can
obtain a membership starting February 3rd right next to Aldi's.
·
Jimmy
Johns has begun the process to open in part of the building that now houses Family
Video on South Airport.
·
Lucky's
will be submitting plans to the Planning Department, but we have no time frame
on their opening.
·
Dick's
Sporting Goods are in the process of getting building and zoning permits but
have not been approved yet.
·
Fit
Body Boot Camp will be going into the old Bedroom Company building on Division
within the next three months.
·
Boardman
Lake revamp is complete as well as the new Brookside Commons. There will be a
Grand Opening on 1/29/16 starting at 11am at Boardman Lake and 12:30 at
Brookside Commons. These are affordable, energy efficient, workforce housing
close to town! Go take a look and refer new TC residents!
·
We
just closed on additional parkland on Keystone Road to become part of the BVNP,
and provide access to the land we own on the east side of the river. We just
finished a conceptual park plan on how to develop this land, and will implement
pieces of that as budget allows. Planned improvements include covered picnic
pavilions, more nature trails, playgrounds, dog park, a bridge to connect both
sides of the park across the river, and maybe a ropes course, zip line and/or 4-season
toboggan run.
·
Also
in the BVNP, we just received another Trust Fund grant to revamp the area near
the Boardman YMCA (which we own), including additional parking, a small boat
(kayak/canoe) turnaround, float-on kayak launch, vault toilets and changing
area and reconstruction of the pickleball courts.
·
We
completed a concept park plan for the trailhead area to the Miller Creek Nature
Preserve near Aldi. Not a lot of people know about this so the plan is intended
to improve awareness and draw people in. This one includes seating areas,
berming and landscaping to buffer South Airport traffic, maybe a hill slide and
a fishing pond.
·
Buffalo
Ridge Trail should (finally) be under construction in the spring. Bids are due
on Thursday (we rebid it due to high bid responses to the first bid).
·
Tree
cutting at the Commons has started and the park will be closed while they are
in there. We are implementing a hazardous tree removal plan to get rid of fall
hazards. Unfortunately nearly 500 trees have to go.
If
you are interested in being appointed to a Garfield Township Board Committee
please send a letter of interest to Judy at jbattle@garfield-twp.com
City of Traverse City Update
The City is continuing recruitment for various
Traverse City Boards and Committees! Currently, the Election Commission and
the Local Officers Compensation Commission have vacancies waiting to be filled.
The Traverse City Light and Power Board and Joint Planning Commission have
expiring terms, giving interested individuals a chance to interview for the
positions. Individuals
who would like to learn more about these boards, or would like to apply should
visit www.traversecitymi.gov/boards.asp or contact the
City Clerk’s Office at 231-922-4480.
Elections Inspectors Needed! If you are
interested in being a part of the Election process and working in a precinct on
Election Day, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 231-922-4480. Election
Inspectors typically work from 5:45 a.m. until roughly 10:00 p.m. on Election
Day and are paid for their time.
Employment Opportunities with the City! The City of
Traverse City has the following employment opportunities available: Traverse
City Police Patrol and Vehicle Equipment Technician (Mechanic). Visit the
City’s website at www.traversecitymi.gov/employment.asp for more details.
Input Needed – Parks & Recreation Master Plan – The
Parks and Recreation Commission and staff has completed the draft
Recreation Plan for 2016 – 2021. This plan will be
the basis for possible improvements to parks and programs and for
grant applications during the five year time period.
The plan will be available for viewing until February 4, 2016.
Comments can be directed to the Parks and Recreation Office at 625
Woodmere Avenue during the comment period. A copy of the plan can be
found at www.traversecitymi.gov/parksplan.asp.
Overnight Parking in Traverse City – As a reminder,
folks should not park overnight on the streets of Traverse City during the
winter months, through April 14. Those who do park on the streets overnight may
be towed at their own expense.
TC
Chamber Happenings
February 3 – YP Lunch & Learn (West Bay Beach) 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
February 17 – Business After Hours (Visions at
CenterPointe) 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
February 18 – YP Morning Brew (Chamber of Commerce) 8-9 a.m.
February 23 – YP Volunteering at the State Theatre 5:15-7:15 p.m.
March 10 – Leadership at the Movie
For more fun and detailed information visit the chamber website: tcchamber.org
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