Granny-flat decision delayed

ADU's, such as this potential garage apartment in the Boardman Neighborhood, are being considered by Traverse City

By Annie Otwell

Over fifty people came to voice their opinion on the issue of "accessory dwelling units" - otherwise known as ADUs or granny flats - in Traverse City Wednesday night, but the Traverse City Planning Commission elected to postpone the decision.    

Mayor Linda Smyka, who calls the proposal to allow ADUs a "difficult ordinance," supports the deferral.  "My thinking on this at this point in time is to think about all the comments that have been said before we move forward," said Smyka. 

Attorney Brenda Quick criticized the clarity of the document, claiming there are "construction issues" that must be improved before the ordinance is considered. 

Commissioner Jody Bergman is also concerned about some of the language in the ordinance, and believes some revising is needed. "I really want to be thorough with this before we move it ahead," she said. 

Despite criticisms, the majority of the attendees supported the idea of allowing ADUs in Traverse City.  Many see granny-flats as a way to increase affordable housing downtown, where infrastructure is already present and people can walk or bike for transportation.

"It's fundamental good planning," said Hans Voss, director of the Michigan Land Use Institute, who noted the 20 percent decrease in in-city population from 1970 to 2000 while outlying townships grew rapidly during the same time frame.  

Bob Sutherland, who developed a neighborhood in Empire that allows ADUs, also showed his support for the ordinance.  "One of the hallmarks of a successful community is a lot of housing units for all kinds of people," Sutherland said. 

Along with criticisms over the language of the ordinance, citizens were also concerned about increased noise levels, parking problems, enforcement issues, and decreased home values. 

"All my alarm bells went off when I saw the proposal," said city resident Dee Blair.  "You're going to have young males who play loud music and have those loud thundering cars." 

However, some expressed the idea that ADUs would increase the vitality of the city by offering more affordable downtown living to young people. 

"I would like to see good and affordable places for young adults to live," stated Bruce Mackey. 

Marsha Smith, director of Rotary Charities, found the issues underlying the ordinance to be "philosophical rather than pragmatic." Smith summed up her view when she asserted that the outcome of this debate "sends a signal whether we want our community to be inclusive."

There will be a public study session on June 20 in which the ordinance will be reviewed by legal counsel.

Annie Otwell is a student at the University of Wisconsin - Madison and a summer intern at the Land Information Access Association.