Planning Commission finds proposed park at 429 East Front Street consistent with master plan

Traverse City Planning Commission members voted May 20 to find that a proposed park at city-owned property at 429 East Front Street is consistent with the city’s master plan.

The vote, taken solely on the question of plan consistency as required by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, affirms the park’s location, character and extent as presented to the commission. Chair Hershey said the statute “requires us to state whether or not we feel this public park is consistent or inconsistent with the master plan.”

The finding does not approve the park design, construction or any private participation; commissioners and staff emphasized the determination was limited to whether the park fits the master plan’s policies. Commissioner Shea moved to affirm the proposed park; the motion was seconded and carried.

Commissioners and members of the public used the hearing to highlight issues they said should be addressed later in the process. Commissioner McGillivray and others…