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Commission makes State Street two-way permanent after months of debate
Summary
After months of study and a Complete Streets recommendation, the Traverse City City Commission voted 4–3 to make the trial two-way configuration on State Street permanent, clearing the way for follow-up signal and parking work and future funding requests.
The city commission on July 20 voted to make the two‑way pilot on State Street permanent, approving traffic control order 703 on a 4–3 vote.
City Manager Benjamin Marantette framed the action as a procedural step needed before the city and partners could pursue signal upgrades and more permanent curb-to-curb changes: "The motion is to make that two-way State Street configuration permanent until such time as it may be rescinded by future city commission action," he said. Staff and the newly created Complete Streets Advisory Committee recommended the two‑way configuration, and retained traffic engineers reviewed the pilot and concurred.
Commissioners debated costs, safety, emergency response and timing. Several members pressed staff on whether signal modifications, left‑turn phases and parking adjustments should be included in the motion or brought back once the traffic control order is permanent. DDA Director Harry Burkholder said some funding has been pledged and that timing, logistics and larger funding decisions (including potential TIF support) would be part of future staff and DDA conversations.
Public commenters, including Noah Roth from the Complete Streets Committee, urged the commission to preserve the two‑way orientation to support downtown circulation and ongoing development. Opponents warned that making the change before final design and funding could force taxpayers to pay more later.
Roll‑call voting recorded Commissioner Anderson: No; Commissioner Shaw: Yes; Commissioner Treadwell: No; Commissioner Funk: No; Commissioner Boehmer: Yes; Mayor Pro Tem Nes: Yes; Mayor: Yes (motion passes). The permanent traffic control order allows staff to return with specific signal and curb adjustments and related budget requests.
