Traverse City commissioners voted last night to advance plans for a public pier near downtown. Phase Three of the project will include a final design and a study of fundraising options. The 500-foot pier is estimated to cost almost $9 million dollars.
Commissioner Tim Werner voted against the project, saying the public doesn’t seem to be behind it.
“It’s an interesting project (and) very attractive work has been done on it," said Werner. "I support the fishermen (and) fisherwomen but this is just not a high priority for me or the people I’ve spoken with, as far as a place for the city to be investing.”
The next step for the pier project will be drilling for soil samples in Grand Traverse Bay. That work is expected to start next week.