Letter: Grant

A letter criticizing a proposed renewal of Traverse City Downtown Development Authority’s TIF 97 argues the city will receive far less public benefit than supporters claim. The writer says the plan emphasizes stormwater management, public safety, and trash cleanup, but points to spending of $1.8 million for city-led stormwater infrastructure, $60,000 per year for trash removal, and $365,000 for the farmer’s market. In contrast, the letter cites $114 million in capital improvements, including nearly $60 million for a new riverwalk, $15 million for a snowmelt system, and $22 million to rebuild and streetscape downtown streets. The writer calls for ending the TIF and letting the city commission decide future spending.