In November 2004, the citizens of Traverse City and Garfield Township approved two ballot measures: a .27 mil bond proposal to purchase and improve the West Bay waterfront property (Former Smith-Barney Building), Hickory Meadows and the Historic Barns and surrounding land at the Grand Traverse Commons and the .10 mil millage to maintain the properties. Since the passing of the proposals, The Recreational Authority has demolished the former Smith-Barney building and landscaped the property to transition into the rest of the public land on West Bay shore; approved Hickory Meadow's management plan, improved sections of Hickory Meadow's existing trails and renovated the Oleson Barn; and stabilized the Historic Barns at the Commons, including new roofing, improved drainage, and new windows and doors.
A background document about the millage that impacts the ballot language - here.
Record Eagle articles
November 6, 2004
Purchase plans under way - Board readies paperwork to finance deal
By VANESSA McCRAY Record-Eagle staff writer
October 17, 2004 - Editorial Supporting the Millage
Open space proposals good for area's future
September 23, 2004
Remembering the barns
By TOM CARR Record-Eagle staff writers
Ballot Language
OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL AREA PRESERVATION BOND PROPOSAL
This proposal will allow the Recreational Authority of Traverse City and the Garfield Township to purchase and improve land to preserve open space and scenic views of the Bay and protect wildlife habitat and natural areas. Properties to be purchased include the West Bay Waterfront property, the Barns at the Commons, and the property next to Hickory Hill. State law requires an annual independent audit of the Recreational Authority.
This proposal, if approved by the voters, will only be effective if both it and the Open Space and natural Area Millage Proposal pass.
Shall the City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority formed by the City of Traverse City and the Charter Township of Garfield borrow the sum of not to exceed Six Million Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($6,650,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds for all or a portion of that amount, payable in not to exceed twenty years from the date of issuance for the purpose of open space and scenic view preservation and wildlife habitat and natural areas protection by purchasing and improving land for public parks including West Bay Waterfront property, the Barns at the Commons, and the property next to Hickory Hills?
The estimated millage to be levied in 2004 is 0.27 mill ($0.27 per $1,000 of taxable value) and the estimated simple average annual millage rate required to retire the bonds is 0.27 mill ($0.27 per $1,000 of taxable value). This is expected to result in an increase of $13.50 in the tax levied on property valued at $100,000 for a period of 20 years.
OPEN SPACE AND NATURAL AREA MILLAGE PROPOSAL
This proposal will allow the Recreational Authority of Traverse City and the Garfield Township Township to maintain natural areas, wildlife habitat, public parks, and open space. The proposal would levy a property tax of up to 0.1 mill that would cost the owner of a home with a value of $100,000 $5.00 per year. State law required an annual independent audit of the Recreational Authority.
This proposal, if approved by the voters, will only be effective if both it and the Open Space and natural Area Millage Proposal pass.
Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the City of Traverse and the Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority. Be increased by up to 0.1 mil ($0.10 per $1,000 of taxable value) for a period of twenty (20) years, as a new millage for the purpose of protecting natural areas, wildlife habitat, and open space by acquiring, maintaining and improving public parks?
It is estimated that 0.1 mill will raise Approximately $125,000 when first levied in 2004.