By Steve Largent, Land Management Services Director
A joint effort is underway to develop a unified plan for the Boardman River from the outlet of Boardman Lake to west Grand Traverse Bay. The Goal of this effort is to “Restore and
enhance the Boardman River below Boardman Lake to make the River more productive for natural and human communities”. The Lower Boardman Project began last fall in an effort to provide guidance and advocacy to address access, habitat and water quality concerns on current and future projects. This includes blending the recommendations of the Waterfront Plan (Your Bay Your Say) with several other proposed construction projects to provide a transferable model to other sections of the lower Boardman in a coordinated manner.
The Downtown Development Authority’s (DDA) desire to seek proposals to develop a schematic design for an improved alley and riverfront behind the businesses along the 200 Block of East Front Street sparked the initial meetings last fall. The project area falls between Cass and Park streets and includes businesses such as Streamside Orvis, Backcountry Outfitters, the State Theatre, and the long stalled but recently re-activated development at 101 Park Street adjacent to Horizon Books. The Boardman River along this stretch has a concrete wall along the south side and a boardwalk on the north that lacks access. In addition, the in-stream habitat is nearly non-existent. Initial discussions have focused around how to revamp the alley to provide a more pedestrian friendly environment that still allows access for delivery trucks and emergency vehicles. Parking concerns and how to handle the numerous dumpsters are also part of the discussion. Meetings are open to the public and are held from at 4:00 – 5:00 pm on the third Thursday of each month on the 2nd floor of the Governmental Center. For more information contact District Land Management Services Director Steve Largent at (231) 941-0960 or the DDA at (231) 922-2050.
Some recreational users in the Lower Boardman
Concrete wall along the south side
Organizers meet to discuss the Lower Boardman Project