The Traverse City commission decided today not to appeal a judge’s ruling on the nine-story Pine Street development downtown.
Last month, judge Philip Rodgers said the commission acted improperly when it approved a permit for the development. The commission voted this afternoon on whether to spend $10,000 to hire a lawyer to work on an appeal, but approval failed by one vote.
City Commissioner Amy Shamroe says the city will still work to improve the permitting process.
“I firmly believe the staff and ourselves entered into this with the thought that due diligence had been done," says Shamroe. "The judge found us lacking. I know Marty Colburn, the city manager, is ready to start working with staff to see what more we can do.”
The developers could still file their own appeal. The deadline is next Friday.