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East Side social district returns with adjustments; commissioners ask for more data before expansion
Summary
The city’s East Side placemaking pilot — a social district around Common Ground and adjacent businesses — will continue in 2025 with new furniture, planters and programming; commissioners directed staff to collect more data and return with recommendations before any map expansion.
Traverse City staff, businesses and residents reviewed the East Side placemaking pilot and social district at the May 5 meeting, with the commission endorsing continued operation and asking staff to compile additional data before considering any expansion.
The pilot, launched in summer 2024, repurposed curb and parking space near Common Ground and other businesses for outdoor seating, umbrellas, planters and evening programming under a state‑approved social district framework. Business owners reported better public use and said the site hosted neighborhood meetings, running groups and family gatherings during the short season in 2024.
Staff reported new equipment delivered for the 2025 season — additional picnic tables and umbrellas, bike racks, solar benches and…
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