I understand some concerns have been raised, and perhaps some incorrect information has been circulated, about boating in Traverse City, Michigan. I want to assure you and your readers that we love boats and boaters in Traverse City. Our bay is full of boats. People have a great time on the water here.

The concern that has been raised is about high concentrations of near-shore, day-long anchoring in shallow water on two city beaches. The city has two beaches downtown: one is about 2,200 feet long, the other is about 1,200 feet long (more or less). Each has a 400-foot-long swim area. Residents of the adjacent neighborhoods have asked for more open water space along these two beaches. The city is working on a plan to expand the two swim areas so that there is more room for open water use by the neighborhoods, but still room for shallow water anchoring by those boaters who enjoy that use.

While there is understandably some distrust whenever the status quo is adjusted, the City Commission has recently gone on record as saying that boaters will not be excluded—not from the bay, and not from the beaches. We are simply looking to provide some more room for the residents, while keeping a place on both beaches for those who want to anchor for the day by the shore. Finalizing a good plan will be a lively community discussion, I have no doubt.

Traverse City is and will remain a wonderful place to live, to vacation, and to boat. Please—come see for yourself. We look forward to your visit.

Chris Bzdok
Mayor
Traverse City, Michigan