CityofTawasCity
2018‐2022ParksandRecreationPlanandMasterPlan
CommunityQuestionnaire
TheTawasCityPlanningCommissionmailedaCommunityQuestionnaireto1,132taxpayersinTawas
Citywiththe2017AssessmentChangeNoticesonFebruary10,2017.Thequestionnairesweredueon
March20,2017andtheCityreceiveda17.0%returnratewith193responses.Asummaryofthe
responseswithcommentsfollows.
1. HowmanytimesdidyouuseaparkintheCityofTawasCityinthepastyear?
5%
never (9)
1‐3 times (33)
4‐9 times (37
10 or more times (108)
17%
58%
2.
8%
20%
Comments:
 Can'twalkmydogsinthepark(GatewayPark)
 Everyday,weatherpermitting
Whichofthefollowingparksdidyouvisitinthepastyear?(Pleasecheckallthatapply.)
4%
2% 1%
1%
Shoreline Park (165)
Gateway Park (160)
Veterans Memorial Park and Canoe Launch (107)
Town Square (92)
Tawas City Sports Complex (50)
Independent Park (24)
Sawyer Thornton Park (14)
Elms Neighborhood Park (6)
Union Square Park (6)
26%
15%
17%
3.
26%
5%
4%
Event (art show, antique show, military ceremony, etc.) (153)
Visit the Northeast Michigan Regional Farm Market (131)
Casual/informal use (picnic, playground, etc.) (124)
Fitness and exercise (swimming, running, walking, etc.) (122)
Visit one of the concessionaires (Tony's Tacos or Tawas Bay Paddle Shack) (96)
Participate in or watch a game with friends or with a league (41)
Use the dog‐friendly beach (39)
Other (28)
21%
13%
18%
17%
17%
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WhydoyouvisitparksintheCityofTawasCity?Pleasecheckallthatapply.
5%
Other:
 (9)Fishing
 carshow
 friendsvisiting
 IwalkedthruVeteran'sMemorialParktopayrespecttotheveterans.
 boatlaunch
 fireworks
 Doesn'tliveinthearea
 Wouldlike"FarmMarket"ifIcouldwalktoit.WhereistheDogpark?IuseE.T.Iwouldliketo
walkonthepier.NeedstobelikeOscoda'spier.
 Forpleasure/beauty/relax
 FamilyReunion
 Putcanoe/kayakinthewater
 Chillatthebeach!
 Groupuseofpavilionforpicnic
 enjoymentofbeach
 kayaking,paddleboards
 canoe‐fish
 Viewingopenwateronbay(dayandnight),alsostargazing,birdsandeagles
 justtohangoutandrelax
 sitonthebeachandread
4.
Ifyouorsomeoneinyourfamilyhasadisability,pleaseindicatewhichofthefollowing
wouldmakeTawasCity’sparksmoreuser‐friendly:
7%
3%
4%
8%
8%
62%
8%
Other:
 DogparkordogbeachclosertoWalmartarea(emotionallyhelpspeople)
 Closerparkingtobeachaccess
 FixPierforeasierwalking
 Idonotwalkwell,butfindparkinggenerallyquiteadequate.
 Familythatvisitneedaccessibility
 US23trafficstoppingpedestriancrossinginfrontofSheriff'sDept.
 Moreseatingforolderpeopleandmotherswithbabies
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Does not apply (120)
Accessible restrooms (16)
Flatter, easier grades (15)
Paved trails (15)
Accessible parking (14)
Accessible playgrounds (6)
Other (7)
5.
ThinkingaboutthenumberofparksintheTawasareaasawhole,arewemeetingtheneeds
oftheresidentsandvisitorstoourarea?
14%
6%
6%
74%
6.
Comments:
 SomeoftheseIdidn'tknowexisted.Aretheresignsoranythingbutgrass?Workonthose!
 NeedaparknearWalmart/hospitalarea.Butneedparkswecanwalktoorfreeshuttletoo.
 rightamountbutifadjacentbuildingsarenolongerused,thecitycouldextendedtheShoreline
Parkcouldbeextended
 Waterviewveryimportant(notallbldg.'s,etc.)
PleaseevaluatethefollowinggeneralaspectsofparksandrecreationintheCityofTawas
Citybycheckingtheboxyoufeelistheproperratingforeachofthefollowing.
VarietyofFacilities/Amenities
3%
1%
15%
32%
49%
There are the right amount of parks in the area (136)
There are too many parks (11)
Not enough parks (11)
Undecided/don't know (26)
Very Good (59)
Good (89)
Neutral (28)
Poor (6)
Comments:
 needmoreeatingareas
 TooGood
 Likemorethantacostandtoeatat
 Restrooms,CanadianGeeseTreatment
 Alwaysneedbathrooms
 GoodatShoreline,pooratGateway
MaintenanceandAppearance
4%
7%
1%
45%
43%
Very Good (83)
Good (81)
Neutral (13)
Poor (7)
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Comments:
 Pierawful
 (2)GooseDroppings
 MostemphasisputonparksonUS‐23
SafetyandSecurity
5%
1%
17%
47%
30%
Very Good (55)
Good (87)
Neutral (31)
Poor (9)
Comments:
 Atnightmorelighting
 GooseDroppings
 Don'tknow
 BordersonHarassment
 ThebeachatShorelineParkwasquitedirty(thoughtobefair,windcomingoffwater).Dead
seagullonbeach.
 ShorelinePark‐Pier/extensionoutinwateratTony'sTaco;otherwisegood.Improvementsto
tennis/basketballcourtsnearlibraryaswellassoftballfield.
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7.
TheTawasCityPlanningCommissionhasidentifiedthefollowingtobeconsideredasfuture
projectsintheCity’sParksandRecreationPlan.Pleasenumberyourtopfive(5)projectsin
orderofimportancewith#1beingthemostimportantand#5beingtheleastimportant.
NOTE:ThePlanningCommissionmembersandCityCouncilmemberswerealsoaskedtorankall
theprojectsinorderofprioritywith#1beingthemostimportantand#18beingtheleast
important.
Project
RehabilitatethepieratShorelinePark
ConstructrestroomsatGatewayPark
ConstructasidewalktowardtheHighSchool
andClaraBolenElementarySchoolin
coordinationwithTawasAreaSchools,
surroundingtownships,andMDOT
Installasprayground/splashpadatGateway
ParkorShorelinePark
Resurfacethepathwayandupdatethelightsto
LEDlights;possiblyworkincoordinationwith
EastTawasandwithMDOTreconstructionof
US‐23
Constructadditionalpavilionspaceforthe
FarmMarketatGatewayPark
ExpandtheplayscapeatShorelinePark
PropertyacquisitionstoexpandShoreline
Park/TownSquare
Expandparkinglotandresurfaceexisting
parkinglotatGatewayPark
ExpandtheSportsComplexonTenthAvenue
withpropertyacquisitionandpavethe
parkinglot
Developacampgroundalongtheriveronthe
propertycurrentlyownedbyLakeState
RailwayCo.
RedesignTownSquarewithanamphitheater
Installadditionallightingandsecurityat
ShorelinePark
ConstructfishingfacilitiesatSawyerThornton
Park
DevelopaskateparkattheTawasCitySports
Complex
RedevelopthetenniscourtsatIndependent
Park;possiblyincludepickleballcourt
InstallirrigationatGatewayPark
InstallirrigationatTownSquare
Community
Planning
Commission
CityCouncil
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1
3
3
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3
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1
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10
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15
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Comments:
 Extraclimberonplayground
 Fixingthepierisimportant‐someoneisgoingtogethurt.
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Whatadditionalfacilities/amenitieswouldyouliketoseeaddedtoourexistingparksor
includedinanewpark(s)otherthanthoselistedabove?
ExpandBikePaths‐IncorporateBridgeacrossTawasRiveratBeechStreet.Bikeandfootonly.#1
Expand/improvefishingpieratShorelinePark.
FixrailtrailsidewalkclosetoUS23city
Usethislandasanaturalwildlifehabitatarea.Thisareaisonaflywayforthebirdsthatcomeand
go.Trailsandbirdingareaswouldbegreat.Perhapssomegrantstopursuethis?
Improvementstonaturalhabitattobenefitbirds,waterfowl,butterfliesandwildlifebyplanting
nativetrees,bushes,flowersandgrasses.
EnforcethenodogsallowedatthepartatShorelineandGateway
WheelchairramptobeachatGatewayPark.Ihavenootherthatiffeelknowledgeabletochoose.
Considerbuoysatmouthofriverandbesuretomaintainadequatedepthinlowwateryears
UpdateplayareainGatewayPark,maybeinconjunctionwithspraypad.Clearbikepaththrough
ShorelinePark
RestroomsanddrinkingfountainsatGatewayPark!
Repurposethepiertobebasketballcourts(enclosed)
ImproveswimareaatGatewayPark
BikepathalongUS‐23‐Bikesrideonthesidewalknow
TawasCityneedsacampgroundtobringinrevenue.
Playgroundequipmentthatattractsfamiliestothepark.
Shouldberestroomsatallparks.Alloftheseprojectshaveimportanceandshouldbeworkedon
overtimeandrepairofparkinglotsasneeded.Allwouldaddtoincreasingtourismandlocaluse.All
parksshouldhaveplaygroundequipment‐swings,slides,etc.
Anicecreamstand
ThepieratShorelineshouldbeextendedoutintoTawasBaysufficientlytoprovidegoodfishingfor
trout,walleye,perchaswellaswhitefish.Inaddition,thepiercouldbeusedforpicnicking,
sightseeing,andanynumberofotherlakesideactivities.
Weneedadogpark.
PuttenniscourtselsewherethatIcanwalktonearwater.Afarmmarket/craftfleamarketthat
peoplecanWALKto.DogparklikeCadillac,fencedin,tenniscourtsnearShorelinePark.Buyland
nearWalmart/OakSt(oldroundhouse)fortenniscourts,fruit/veggiefleamarketetc.peoplecan
walkto.HavemoreseatingonwaterbetweenChamberofCommerceandWalmart.
Lessmoneyneedstobeinvestedinparks.Morefundsshouldbeinvestedinroads/water
infrastructure.Mostoftheaboveprojectswouldnotbenefitmostresidents.
WhentravelingIalwaysenjoywheretheyhave"turnouts."Hereonecanpeacefullyenjoytheview
whetherstandingbyawoodenrailorsittingonabench.Hereonecanfullyabsorbtheviewof
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ThereisalreadyabeachandplayequipmentatGatewayandShoreline.Campgroundsare
noisyforresidents‐wehaveenoughcampgrounds.I'msurealotofmoneywasspentonthe
boatlaunchatGateway.Gatewayisaparkforboatersandfishermennotjustforthemarket.
PeoplecanhardlylaunchboatsonSaturdaymorningnowandlittlespacetoparktrailers.
ExpandplayscapeatGateway.NomorepavilionspacefortheFarmMarketandno
campground.
IrrigationatGatewayisawasteofmoney.Pierneedsnewsidewalks.Absolutelynoonthe
campground,dayusepark.ItwouldbeawastetoconstructfishingfacilitiesatSawyer
ThorntonParkbecausethereisnofishthere.AcampgroundattheLakeStateRailwaywould
dropourpropertyvaluessoabsolutelyno.
Resurface‐Yes.LEDLights‐No.Difficulttosee.
ShopsandboardwalkalongthelengthoftheriverontheLakeStateRailwayProperty
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mountainranges,sanddunes,thespectacularfallcolors,orthevastnessoftheGreatLakes.Mostlyit
isrestfulandmakesonewanttoreturn.Hereyouhavetheattractionofthefreightersgoingby.
Somethingnotseenthatoften,especiallywhentheygobylitupatnight.Ihavenoideawhereyou
wouldlocatethis.
TrampolinePark
None
GatewayPark‐Ithinkitisgreattohaveaplacetoletyourdogplay‐butitissoclosetotheroad,a
fencewouldbenice.
ExistingParks‐emphasisintakingcareofwhatisinplaceandbeingused.Regularmaintenance
andupkeepofexistingfacilitieswillhelpwiththepublicalsotakingcareofthem.
PlayscapeonothersideofTony'sTacos!Sothereistwointhatlargepark.
Showerandchangingrooms
Dogcleanupstationsatall
#2Dr.Sharma'sofficeandTawasBar
WhataboutsecuritycamerasatShorelineParkandothersaccordingtodamagereports.
IthinkanicepieratShorelineParkwouldbenice.WeliketheoneinOscodaandsoafterandbring
ourguestsaswell.AlsoifthebeachcouldberehabilitatedatGatewayParksopeoplewoulduseit
more.
Whereisallthismoneycomingfrom‐thetaxpayers??
InstallnewplayscapesatGatewaysimilartotheoneatShoreline
FixupIndependentPark
PavetheparkingareaatSportsComplex
Ifyouwantacampgroundusethecompostarea,lotsofnicepropertythere.Thepropertyalongthe
riveristooclosetohomes.
AddmoreplayscapealongwithrestroomsatGatewayPark.
Openthe120acrestothepeopleofTawas
Goosecontrolorcleanupoftheirfeces.Sometimesitisoutofcontrol.
Someformofrestroomsateverypark
AfishcleaningstationatGatewayPark.Itcanbeattachedtothepublicrestroom...aDNRgrant
projectthatexistsinmanyotherMichigan/GreatLakescommunities.
Doesnotshowonmapbutifconsidereditshouldberestrictedtomax1monthstaytoencourage
turnoverandavoid"trailerpark."
Awashthesandoffshower/footwashjustoffthebeacharea.Inwinteraddanoutdoorlighted
skatingarea.
Benches,morepicnictablesonthefourthofJuly!ReturnfireworkstoShorelinePark.Itwasthe
placetogo!
Reallyneedboatingaccesstothepier.NowtheonlyoptionforboatersisBikini's.Dayslipswould
bewonderful.
Breakwall‐butoutinbaytopreventtherivermouthfromneedingtobedredged.
BathroomsatGateway
DayslipsforboatersatShorelineParkcrosswalkw/stairsaWhittemoreSt.
TheneedisgreatfortoiletsatGatewayPark
Olympicsizeindoorpool.Iwouldbewillingtopayformembership
moreswingsandslides,moreuniqueplaystructureslikebefore
Iwouldliketoseemytaxdollarsgotowardsfixingmystreetwhichisstillgravelandmycar
bottomsoutwherethegravelmeetsthepavement.Spendtaxpayermoneyontaxpayersinsteadof
touristorpeoplepassingthru!
Biggerplayarea/spaceatTawasCityPark.Toosmallandalotofchildrenenjoyit.Itgetscrowded.
more"food"vendors
dayslipsorothermeansofmooringaboatatShorelinePark
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rollerhockeyatIndependentPark
Iwouldliketoseesomeformofrecyclebins.IwenttoCozumelMexicoandtheyhadthemonstreet
cornerstohelpmakeaworldabetterplace.Everylittleefforthelps.
Ifamphitheaterisinstalled,restroomfacilitiesshouldalsobeapriority.
9.
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TawasCityownsapproximately120acresofundevelopedpropertythatisidentifiedonthe
maponthefirstpageofthisquestionnaire.Overtheyears,anumberofinvestorshave
contactedtheCityaboutdevelopingthepropertywithprojectsrangingfromaresidential
subdivision,anindustrialuse,andarusticcampground.Pleaseshareyourthoughts,ideas,
orvisionsregardingthefutureofthispropertyandanypotentialdevelopments.
(5)residentialsubdivision
Mixedresidentialhousing.Somelow‐income,somemulti‐family,someupscale.
Townhouses
Residentialmakesmostsensetome.Tooclosetoresidentialforindustrial.Toofarfromwatertobe
rusticcampground.
Subdivisions
Residentialsubdivision1to3acrelots
Aresidentialsubdivisionwouldbeagoodwaytoputmoneybackintothecitiesaccount.
Decent,affordablehousingagoodthought
HowaboutaseniorapartmentbasedonincomelikeBayParkTowers?Tawascoulduseone.
TawasCityandEastTawasneedsanicecomplexforrentalunits.Itishardtofindplacestorentin
ourarea‐(longterm).
Whenthatpropertywasfirstacquireditwascontemplatedthatitwouldbeplattedin10acre
parcelsforhomeswherefamiliescouldhavetheirownhouses.(Wouldprobablyworkforchickens
too!)Thosewouldprobablybehigh‐endhomesandwouldaddagreatdealtoourtax,plusbringin
ahigherincomeclassofcitizens,adeveloperinterestedinbuildinganythingthereshouldnotbe
givenadeal‐aminimalprice‐sohecanmakebigbucksoffofourproperty.Donotgiveitaway!Sell
lots(e.g.LakewoodShoreHomes)toindividuals.
Condosorcampgroundbutnicecablehookupand30ampatleast
Residentialhousingw/strictstickbuilt/minsquarefootagezoningandprefera"non"rustic
campground
(10)rusticcampground
Campground
RVpark
AnadditionalcampgroundwouldbeexceptionalespeciallysinceitisontheRiver.
Rusticcampgroundswouldbringmoretourists&businesstothearea.Thereisenoughindustry
areaatthistime
RVparkorcampgroundwouldhaverevenuepotentialforthecity
Acampground,notrustic.ThiswouldbringrevenuetoTawasCity,givingEastTawasPark
competitionfortheiroverinflatedlotrent.AlsoaddnewjobstoTawasCitytomaintainthepark.
rusticcampground,naturehabitatandtrails
campgroundandpicnicarea
Iwouldliketoseeacampground.Ialwayshavepeopleaskwheretheycancamp.Itellthemgoout
5miles.Weneedthisintown.SoclosetoGatewayParkandtheriver.Itwouldbringpeopleto
TawasCity.
Tomakeitintoacampgroundwouldbringpeopleintotheareaanditwouldhelpbusinesses.There
seemstobemanyfamiliespurchasingRV'sandneedanareatoenjoytheirtimewiththeirfamilies.
Iwouldlovetoseeitbecomearusticcampground.Myhusbandagreeswiththis.(Woulditbe
privatelyowned?Orcityowned?Ithinkprivatelyownedmightbebetter.)
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It'saveryprettypieceofpropertynearourhouse.We'dliketoseeitbecomearusticcampground.
(2)rusticcampgroundorparks‐thiswillhelptobringtouristsandbringprofitstotownforthe
localbusinesses
Arusticcampgroundwouldbewonderful.Thecampgroundsarealwaysfullinthearea.Additional
moneyfortheCitywouldbegreat.
AcampgroundwouldeasetheovercrowdingattheStateofMichigancampgroundonTawasPt.
Goodidea.
Campgroundand/ordogpark
(2)Iwouldliketoseeanaturecenterandhikingtrailshere
Dayparkwalkingandbiking.Dogpark,dogrunningarea.Sledarea.Overnightcampingfor
residents.
Rusticcampgroundorsomethingquietshouldbebuilt.PetstoreslikePetsmartwouldbeverynice
tohaveupinthisarea.Fencedindogpark.
Iliketheideaofmodestamountofcampsitesplusanaturecenterorpathway.Wealreadyhavean
abundanceofcommercialandindustrialbuildings(manysittingempty.)
Couldbeasourceofincomeforcityifitwasacampground.
Developacampgroundinthisarea
Acampgroundsoundsgood.EastTawasmakesagoodchunkofmoneyoffoftheircampground.
Useforparksandrec,donotdevelopforresidential(toomanyhomesforsale)orindustrialuse.
NatureTrails,Disc‐golfingcourse,Go"Green":solarpanels,greenhouses
Howaboutanaturepark
Keepasanaturalarea‐naturetrails
NaturetrailsandFrisbeegolf
Naturepark/Cityforestwithfootpathtrails(checkoutMidlandCityForest)Midland,Michigan
recreationalusewouldbebest
Arusticparkforhikingandpossibleexercisestations.
Itshouldbecleanedupasitisadisgustingmessbackthere.Ithinkarusticcampgroundand
arboretumwouldbenice.
motocross,outdooractivityarea,discgolf,gocarttrackwaterpark,morethingsforchildrentodo
InviewofthefactthatweareatouristareaIwouldthinkthatacampgroundsonpartofthespace
wouldbeaviablechoice.Closetobikepath,river,bay,etc.Haveavendorsetuprentalsforthese
areas.OurE/TParkandthepointareverybusy.Thiswouldofferamorerelaxedquietoption.
PleaseDONOTallowindustrialorsubdivisiontogothere.Perhapsanicewildliferecareawith
hikingtrailsandthelike.
Enoughcampgroundsinthearea.Thispropertycouldbestbeusedasacombinationof
residential/industrialdevelopment.
(2)Iwouldprefernoindustrial
Industrialuse
Notsureyouneedmoreresidential.Industrialwouldbegooditifbringsbusiness(jobs)tothearea.
Goodareaforanindustrialparkarea
Notacampground‐weneedindustry
industrialusewouldbringmuchneededjobstoourarea
WefeelindustryismuchneededandcampingexpansionwouldbehugeeffecttoTawasCity.
I'dbeokwithacampgroundorresidentialbutnotokwithanindustrialuse.
Industrialusewouldbebest‐maybeforjobs!
Pleasedon’tsell.Yanevergetitback
Thepropertysettingtheredormantisnotanasset.
Holdforthefuture.FocusonotherareasofTawasCitynow.
MaybemoveBrooksjunkyardtothatarea.
shoppingmall,restaurants
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Howaboutazoo?Withsmallanimals(pettingzoo),includingindoorinsect(butterflies,spiders,
snakes,etc.)buildingandmaybedinosaurareausedaslearningtoolaboutthepastandpresent.
I'mnotsuretheproximityofthisparceltothedowntownarealendsmuchtoaidtourism.Certainly
couldaddtothetaxbaseifthecitydoesnotbecomeoverzealousinofferingincentives.
Anyoftheabove‐It'sdoingnothingfastsittingthere(Tax$Wise)
Communitycenterwithanindoortrackforwinterexercise.AnnArbor'sCountyFarmParkwould
beagoodexampleoftrailstohike/exercisestations/dogsonleash/bathroomfacility.
Sellittothehighestbidderandletthemdowhattheywantwithit.
Whateverwillbringthemostincometothearea
IthinkourlocalPlanningCommissionneedstobrainstormthistogetherwiththeIoscoCo.Planning
Comm.PerhapsDEQinputwouldbehelpful.Ibelieveacampgroundthereisnotadvisable.
Askforvolunteers
PerhapstheCityshouldconsidersellingthose120Acresandusingthedollarsgainedtohelpinvest
inoneoftheprojectsunder#7.
Weshouldkeepthispropertyanddevelopit.Thecityneedshousing,bothsenior&lowincome.And
possiblysomebusinessandindustry.
Leaveasis.Whydowehaveto"develop"everypieceoflandthereis?Ifanythingmakeitavailable
toanyonewhoenjoysundevelopedornaturalareas.
Noresidential,nocommercial.Campgroundorotherrusticuseok.
Quaint,village‐likeretailshops.Itwouldbegreattohaveaccesstoariver,orwater‐featurewitha
boardwalk.Residentsandtouristsalikewouldloveagatheringplace.
Leaveitalone!Leaveit"asis."
Discusstodoalandswapwiththeownersofthesalvageyardsotheywillbeawayfromthe
residentialareaofthecity.ThenexpandUnionPark.
LetthepeopleofTawasCityuseit.
Idon'tknowexactlywhattypeofpropertythisisbutIhavetalkedwithmanypeoplewhowould
liketohaveaMeijershoppingcenter.Iagree!
Forcommunityusesuchasparcelsforresidentstohavegardens
Iwouldliketoseethearea(town)haveanareathatisanactivitycenterforadultsandyouths‐an
arcade,dancefloor,snackbar,afamilycenterwithactivitieslikeChuckyCheesehas.
Partialusefortourists/vacationers,partialforlocalresidential.(fleamarket,fitnessarea,occasional
activities)(i.e.paintball,fall‐maze,pumpkinpatch)
Sellsome.Developarea‐campgroundorsubdivision.
pool?
sellit‐sothecityreceivestaxdollars
Howaboutanenclosedfiringrange,asthereisnoplacetopracticeusinghandgunsorrifleswhen
theIoscoCountySportsmanClubclosesdowninthewinter.
10. HowmanytimesdidyouusetheTawasCityLibraryinthepastyear?
24%
11%
23%
Page|10
42%
never (74)
1‐3 times (41)
4‐9 times (20)
10 or more times (42)
Comments:
 asIcannotwalkthere
 Everyweek
 buthaven'tlivedtherelongenoughyet
 thisyearIwasrecuperatingfrommysecondhipsurgery
 probablyabout30timesayear
11. WhydoyouvisittheTawasCityLibrary?Pleasecheckallthatapply.
17%
4%
39%
6%
11%
23%
12.
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Other:
 (14)usecomputers
 (2)Wi‐Fi
 Usecomputerandpickuptalkingbooks
 Ihaven'tvisited,butplantowithmykidsforbooksandchildren'sprograms.
 todropoffdonatedbooks
 Isometimesmeetpeopleforameeting
 Ibelongtothefriendsgroupandworkatthestoreandattendmeetingsandevents.
 Usecopymachineandcomputer
 Hasagoodselectionofbooks.Coverawidevarietyoftopicstheyarehelpfulinorderingwhat
theydon'thaveonhand.
 WehavetheBESTlibrarian
 Justlookedatbooksavailable
 Seewhat'snew
 Volunteer.TerriStein,theLibrarianandVolunteeratlibrary.
 Buyusedbooks
 Willstartnow
 BookSales
 AudiobooksandDVD's
 Initialinvestigation
 Usecomputers‐verybeneficialparkoutside‐seechildrenenjoying"Disney"statues.
PleaselistanyservicesorprogramsyouwouldliketoseeaddedtotheTawasCityLibrary.
Adultseminars:laws,taxes,government,fed,state,andlocal,miscsubjects.
Xeroxingcopies,morethan3
libraryonlineallowinguserstorentbooksonlineforreadingthroughereaderproducts
Newer‐Better‐OpenMore
Morecomputers.Speakerssuchasauthorsofadultbooksexample,lighthousesofMichigan(they
spokeinE.T.)
Theseprogramsareverybeneficialtoresidents.Verywellrun.
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Check out books (78)
Visit the Tawas City Library Friends Bookstore (46)
Participate in children programs (21)
Participate in adult programs (12)
Utilize Study Space (8)
Other (33)
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theyareamazing
TheyhavewhatIneed.IreallylikethenewEastTawasLibrary.Awonderfuladditiontothearea.I
wishitwaslocatedonUS23.
LongerHoursonSat.LaterHoursadayortwo/week.Librarianneedstoparkfurtherfromthe
building.
ImproveRestrooms
Murdermysterytheaterordinner
Morespace‐expandthebuilding
IthinktheTawasesshouldhaveajointlibrary
OpenlibraryonFridays.HaveWi‐Fiavailable24/7
Awelloperatedlibrary
Ameetingroomlargeenoughforgroupsof20‐30withkitchenaccess.Actually,Ibelieveweshould
beonecityandourlibrarymoneycouldhavehelpedbuildanoutstandinglibraryinsteadofthebox
theybuiltinEastTawas.
Political‐socialissueslectureseries.Wide‐rangingallyear.
Expandittohaverecreationalactivitiesforboysandgirls,like"bigbrothers/bigsisters"
TobeabletocheckoutmovieDVD's
ExpandHours
Hobbyclasses
makeitbigger,offervideos
Morehoursofavailability
Perhapshaveawriterofawelllikedbooktohaveopendiscussion.Asasidenote,Libraryisrun
verywellandnice,orderly,clean.
audiobooks‐downloadable
OurlibraryisgreatandTerriwhorunsitisveryknowledgeableandprofessional.Itisalwaysclean,
neatandorderlyandweloveitthewayitis.
Itwouldbenicetohavevolunteerstoshowolderpeoplehowtousethecomputer.Advertise
monthlyclasses.
13. TheTawasCityLibrary’shoursareMondaysthroughThursdaysfrom9:00amto1:00pm
and2:00pmto5:00pm;andSaturdaysfrom10:00amtoNoon.Doyoufeelthesehoursare
sufficienttomeettheneedsofourcommunity?
31%
69%
Yes (92)
No (41)
SuggestedChangesfromthosewhoanswered“No”:
 (2)donotcloseforlunch
 Exceptthenoonhour.Idon'tknowwhattosayexceptthat'swhenIseemtogetthere.
 donotcloseforlunch;openFriday
 IwouldlikeitopenonFridaysbutnotsureifIwouldfrequentthereonFriday.
 OpenFriday;possiblyclose1morning.We'dpay.
 IhavestoppedatthelibrarymanytimesonFridaysforgettingtheyareclosedbutifthatis
whatittakestokeepfinanciallysoundIcanlivewithit.OtherwisebeopenonFriday.
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(2)openlongeronSaturday
longerSaturdayhours
longerSaturdayhours‐especiallyfall/wintermonths‐coincidewithschoolyear
Saturdaycouldbeuntil2or3
AddextrahoursonSaturday
9‐1onSaturdayswouldbehelpful
4hoursonSaturdaywouldbenice
Saturdayuntil1:00/2:00?
Saturdaysshouldbeopenlongerforkids10‐4pm.
Satshouldbelongerforparentsthathavetoworkandcan'ttaketheirkidstilllater.
Forsomeonethatworks9‐5andSaturdaysyouaren'topenwhenaveragepersoncango.
lateratnight
Extendintoeveningtill7pm
oneeveninguntil6pm
Eveninghours‐until6‐7atleast‐Iworkuntil5M‐F
LongerHours
9‐1,2‐6,Sat9‐1
Mostwork9‐5,after5wouldbehelpful
Maybeeveninghrsforpeoplewhowork
Addoneortwoeveningsandkeepcurrenthours
Eveninghoursareneededduringtheweek!!
Wouldlikemorehours‐evenings?
Maybe1daymidweekeveningtill8:00or9:00
Atleastoneeveningopenuntil9pmforresidentswhoworkdays
Hiremorepeople.Peopleneedmorejobs.Mon‐Fri9amto7or8pm.Sat10amto3or4pm
Ok,whenyougetusedtothosehours.IalwaysgoonFridays!Itwouldbemoreconvenientifit
wasopenatleast10‐5M‐Fand10‐12Sat.
Yes‐forretirees,noforworkingpeople‐openoneevening.
longerFridayandSaturday
onelaternight,moreSat.
Opentil6pm.Sat10to2pm
Ibelievethelibraryshouldbeopenatleast6daysaweek(Monday‐Saturday)
WeekdayeveningsandSaturdays‐whenpeoplearen'tworking.
Theyaresufficientforretireesbutpeoplewhoworkwouldprobablyliketoseeeveninghours
atleastonceperweekoralldaySaturdayhours.
6pmclosingweekday;2pmSaturday
Weekdays.Idon'tgetoutofworktill3weekdays,childrenareinschoolthen.
Moreweekendhours/oneweekdaywithextendedhours
Mostpeoplework
Nightclassesifpossible
notveryoftenyouseeanyonethere
Openhoursarenotworking.Fulltimestudentsanddayworkersneedtovisitlateratnightand
Saturdays.
14. In2015,theCityCouncilapprovedasidewalkreplacement/repairanddrainageditch
alterationprogramwheretheCitywillcover50%ofthecosttoreplaceorrepairadamaged
sidewalk,or50%ofthecosttofillinadrainageditch.AretherespecificareasoftheCity
whereyoufeelweneedtoreplace,repair,orinstallnewsidewalksoralterdrainageditches?
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Maintainingbikepath&havesweepersonceamonthontrails
it’sagoodprogramandhopemorehomeownerstakeadvantageofit
US‐23SouthofRivertoCityLimits
PartofRailTrailSidewalkalongUS23
BothsidesofFirstStreet
SidewalksfromShorelinePark,SouthtotheoldMitch'sPizzaespeciallyinfrontofthedoctor's
buildingandtheoldTawasBar
treegrowinginandcrackedandfilledupdrainhole‐BehindTUMCparkinglot‐betweenparkinglot
andMoffatt'shouseonVictoriaLane
SouthPlankRoad,HarrisAve,South5thAve
AsphaltpathalongnarrowbeachfromShorelineParkentrancetowhereitmeetsconcretesidewalk.
It'sunevenandseverelytiltedtowardsbeach.
M‐55northside
Iwouldliketheditchcoveredonthewestedgeofmyproperty(cornerofGerman&RiverStreet).
Thisditchisjustamosquitohabitatinthesummer.Nodrainage!
1stAveandNorthAve:Sidewalks.Maybeon5thAve.Butwouldtheresidentsonthoseroadsbe
responsiblefortheother50%?
thesidewalkbetweenShorelineandGatewayParkcouldusesomeimprovement
Weneedasidewalktotheschools
MeadowRoad,5thAvenueareatoo
8thAvehashadlowareas/drainageproblemsfor50years.Cananythingbedoneaboutthis?
NorthSt.‐shouldhavesidewalks.PlankRd‐fromM‐55toHarris.5thAve‐M‐55fromPlankto5th
Ave‐NunnRd.
Thankyouforthis‐gotoursdone!
Needmoresidewalks‐BeechSt.
Along5thAve,eastside
ShouldnotbeabletoturnintoWalmartfromUS23here,toodangerous.Abetterlight/turning
situationsisneededatOakandUS23verydangerous.IneedanewstreetlightatFirSt.andOakSt.
andasidewalkonOakismuchneeded.AsmanypeoplewalkinthestreettogotoWalmart,town,
McDonald's.AsidewalkinBeechSt.asthestreetisallcrackedupandIwalkiteverydaytripandfall
sometimes.
ThebikeandwalkingsidewalksalongUS‐23needattention.Onthewestsidethereareanumberof
cracksandweedsgrowingthroughalso,onbothsidesthegrassthatwasmowedbythecitypilesup
inplacesalongwithrocks,mudanddebris.Goodmaintenancewilladdyearstotheseprojectsbut
neglectjustcoststhecitymore
Several,butyouknowtheareas.
5thAvenearManitouPlaceandOttawaVillageandTendercare.
Yes,sidewalks.Don'trememberwhere.Walkthem‐youwillfigureitout.
Replaceandrepairshouldbepriority2ndAvebetween1stStand2ndStcometomind.
TawasCity6,7,8,9th
MathewsSt.toMeadowSt.
OnFirstAvesidewalkswouldbeniceandkeepworkersoutoftheroad
1stand9thAvearea
Treatthesameasdowntownsidewalkwithregardtowhopaysandwhomaintains!
Iwouldestimate65%ofwalkersonmystreetwalkinthestreet(yeararound)eventhough
sidewalkisavailableononesideevery2‐3blocks.IwonderwhyIbothertoshovel.Apropercity
hassidewalksaroundeveryblock!
UsedalotbutthesidewalktoMemoryGardensCemeteryalongMeadowRd.isinpoorshape.The
drainageditchalongwest8thAvebecomesbadlyovergrowninsummerlimitingdrainageand
makingitamosquitoincubator.
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Notsure.Ihaveaproblem‐liveacrossstreetfromIndependentParkandeveryspringhaveto
pumpcrawlspacefromwatermovingfromparktoLakeHuron.
Ditchneedstobefilledinalong1stAvebetweenSunsetandRobertainthewestside.
WelovetheLakeShoreTrail
Drainageditchplanshouldbea100%prioritychiefofDPWtomakehisrecommendationtothe
PlanningCommission.
Filldrainageditchon1stAvecornerofSunsetand1stAvewestside.
Sidewalksinresidentialareasconnectingthemtotheschools.
SouthofTown‐thatsidewalkwasinperfectshapewhentheycleanedoutditchescontractor
wreckedmorethan30sections,makethempayforthedamage.
7th,8thand9thAveallneeddrainageandsomeregularmaintenance.Ithinktheyaretheworstin
thecity.
Expand/flattensidewalkalong23
Awalkingcommunityisahealthycommunity.Weshouldrestoreandexpandasidewalksystem
throughoutthecommunity.
walkwaytoNeiman’sfromtheRRtrackssideto55fromCourtHouse.
Yes!OnFirstAvesomearefilledinwithouttubes.
SomeofthesidewalksbetweentheSouthendofTCandCityHallalongUS23arebadand
sometimesnarrow.
NorthStreetisafavoriteforwalkers‐hardlyanysidewalks!
Ihaveseenseveralsidewalks/drainditchesthatcouldberepaired/updatedbutIreallycouldnot
giveapriorityastowhichfirst‐myfirstthoughtwouldbestreets/ditchesinareasofhomes‐not
sure
M‐55toWalmartarea‐downGermanSt.lotsofwalkers‐nosidewalk
DowneachoftheAvenues
Thecityshouldpay100%.Weareovertaxedandthewaythingsarebeingruniswhypeoplehave
movedoutofTawasCity.Weareseriouslythinkingaboutmovingalso.Allyouseemtocareaboutis
thetouristnotthetaxpayer.
anyareathatleadstoparks,townareaandschools
Yes‐thedrainageditchfromthecornerof12thAveand5thStanddown5thStto11thAve.The
waterfromthisditchrunsintomybackyardfloodingit.
Newstreetforallof5thAve.Youdidhalfbutnotalloftheroadway.
alongOakandCedarStreetsbehindWalmart
Theyshouldfinishpartiallycompletedsidewalks.
Page|15
15. In2015,TawasCityworkedwithanoutsideconsultanttorateallthestreetsinthecityand
developastreetimprovementplan.Theplan,whichisupdatedonanannualbasis,identifies
streetsthatareinpoorconditionandrequirestructuralimprovementstotalingmorethan
$1million,withadditionalstreetsthatrequirepreventativemaintenancetoslowfuture
deterioration.TheCityCouncilhascommittedtospendapproximately$70,000peryearfor
streetimprovements.Wouldyousupportastreetmillagetofundstreetimprovementsto
completetheworkonafasterschedule?
42%
58%
Yes (69)
No (94)
Comments:
 usefundbalance
 nomillageusefundbalance
 Dependingonhowmanymills
 Currentlyavailablefundsshouldbebetterprioritized
 Onlyifreallynecessary.Wheneverythingagainallatonetime.Kindofliketheyaretryingto
replaceallthewaterpipesatonceinFlint.Ifithadbeenreplacedonetimeitwouldn'thavethe
hopelessdisastereffectithasnow.
 NoNewMillages!
 Perhapsthefundscouldcomefromanotherpartofthebudget
 IliveonN.1stAve.MysewerhookupisonSpringSt.Itgoesacrossmydrivewayandacross
myneighbor'syardtoSpringSt.Iwouldsupportamillageifsewerhookupon1stAvewas
possibleattimeofresurfacing.
 Askcitizensabouttheiropinionofamillagetopayforanyplannedparks/recreationprojects.
 Onlyifthemoneyisactuallyusedforintendedpurpose
 Dependsontheamount
 Stopusingtaxpayermoneyforstupidparksanduseittofixstreets‐whatdon'tyoupeopleget?
16. Pleaseratethefollowingstatementsinreferencetozoning.
TawasCityadequatelyenforcestheZoningOrdinance.
5% 10%
9%
31%
Comments:
 Pavilionbrokeyourownordinances
Page|16
45%
Strongly Agree (15)
Agree (67)
Undecided (47)
Disagree (14)
Strongly Disagree (7)
TawasCityneedstoenforceitsordinancesmorestrictly.
4%
9%
27%
21%
39%
Strongly Agree (13)
Agree (31)
Undecided (58)
Disagree (40)
Strongly Disagree (7)
TawasCityisresponsivetoquestionsregardingzoningregulations.
3% 2% 8%
36%
51%
Strongly Agree (11)
Agree (53)
Undecided (75)
Disagree (4)
Strongly Disagree (3)
TawasCityprocesseszoningapplicationsinatimelymanner.
1%
0% 7%
30%
62%
Strongly Agree (10)
Agree (43)
Undecided (89)
Disagree (2)
Strongly Disagree (0)
TawasCityshouldencouragethepreservationofhistoricbuildings.
7% 2%
10%
40%
41%
Strongly Agree (64)
Agree (67)
Undecided (16)
Disagree (12)
Strongly Disagree (3)
Comments:
 RemembertheGreyStone
 TooLate!!
 tolatetheyareallgone
 IfitisabuildingtheCityisgoingtouse.Growthdoesneedbuildingstoberemoved.
 You'vealreadydestroyedmostofthem!The"libertybuilding"istheonlyhistoriconeinthe
citythatIcanthinkof‐otherthanafewolderhomesandchurches.
Page|17
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Toolateyoutorethemdownalready
Mostofthebuildingshavebeentorndown,whichisashame!!
TawasCityshouldregulatethestorageofrecreationalvehiclesonresidentialproperty.
15% 15%
22%
29%
19%
Strongly Agree (24)
Agree (46)
Undecided (30)
Disagree (35)
Strongly Disagree (25)
Comments:
 Notduringsummermonths
 Shouldbekeptbehindoffrontofhouse.Setbackrule
TawasCityshouldencouragetheconversionofuseswithinthebusinessdistrictstoallow
residentialasasecondaryuse.
5%
6%
11%
39%
39%
Strongly Agree (18)
Agree (64)
Undecided (63)
Disagree (9)
Strongly Disagree (9)
Comments:
 2ndstoryonly
TawasCityshouldencouragetheconversionofhotel/motelroomstolong‐termrentalunits.
5%
21%
23%
22%
29%
Comments:
 Aslongastheyaremaintainedneatly
 Encouragesthemtobeusedasrentalsforlowincomeanddonotwantthat.Theywouldbe
moreofashelterthanahotel.Bringsinthebadinsteadoftouriststovisitandspendmoneyin
thearea.
 Whatfor?
Page|18
Strongly Agree (8)
Agree (37)
Undecided (46)
Disagree (35)
Strongly Disagree (34)
TawasCityshouldregulatethemaintenance–interiorandexterior–ofrentalhousingunits.
11%
Strongly Agree (37)
Agree (64)
Undecided (28)
Disagree (21)
Strongly Disagree (18)
22%
12%
17%
38%
Comments:
 Ihopepeoplejustwon’trentbadones‐whichwillforcetheownersof
 rentalstobetterupkeepstandards
 Keepitfrombecoming"slums."
 andhomes(personal)
 Exterior‐stronglyagree/interior–Undecided
17. Wheredoyoulive?
2%
0% 5%
3% 3%
3%
0%
City of Tawas City (155)
City of East Tawas (6)
Tawas Township (6)
Alabaster Township (5)
Baldwin Township (3)
Wilber Township (1)
Iosco County, outside of others listed
Other (9)
84%
Other:
 GeneseeTwp
 GrantTownship
 TawasBayMarina
 Boat–5/15–10/15
 Munger,MI
 SterlingHeights–wehaveasummerhomeinTawasCityforover12years
 Summermonths
 Jackson,MI,cottageinTawasCity
 Hartland
Page|19
18. Howlonghaveyoulivedinthecommunityyouselectedinthepreviousquestion?
4%
less than 1 year (7)
1 to 4 years (26)
5 to 10 years (23)
11 to 19 years (45)
20 years or more (79)
14%
44%
13%
25%
Comments:
 Asaproperty‐30yearsasarenterinsummermonthinE.TawasCityPark
 LessthanoneyearTawasCity;11to19EastTawas
 seasonalvisits‐haverental
 Recentlyreturnedfulltime;ownedpropertysince1991
 Currently‐wasbornandraisedinTawasTownshipmovedbackin.
19. Howmanypeopleliveinyourhousehold?
1%
12%
1 (50)
2 (110)
3‐5 (23)
6 or more (2)
27%
60%
20. Whatisyourage?
1%
3% 4%
under 18 (1)
18‐29 (6)
30‐39 (8)
40‐49 (25)
50‐64 (55)
65 and older (99)
13%
51%
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28%
PleasefeelfreetoprovideadditionalcommentsorsuggestionsregardingTawasCity’sParksand
RecreationPlan,orMasterPlan.
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Foot/Bikebridgewouldfacilitateaccesstoshopping‐recreation.Promotephysicalactivity.Letus
startwalkingagain.
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ThecitydonesuchagreatjobonShorelinePark,weuseitalot,butevenifyoudon'titlookssonice
drivingby.E.T.hasnothingonus.Ithinkthecitycrewdoesagreatjobalso.

IlivedinEastTawas/TawasTwpfor36years
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The120acresthatnevergotdevelopedwouldmakeawonderfulcampgroundforourcity.E.Tawas
islimited.Andwouldmakeagoodcashcowthatcouldbedevelopedasneeded.Ithasalreadybeen
phaseonewithDNR.
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moreactivityforyoungpeople

120acreproperty‐rustic/tents‐campground/campers‐naturetrails‐expandshorelinepark
waterfrontproperty‐*New*Conductaannual"garagesaleweekend"inShorelinePark‐limitedto
TawasCityresidents.Thiswouldencourageparkuseandisacommunityevent.THANKYOUFOR
ASKINGFORCITIZENINPUT!
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I'monlyinterestedinshorelinefishingthatiswhyI'vemovedhere6monthsagosoanythingthat
improvesfishingareasforseniorswouldmakemehappy

ImovedfromEastTawastoTawsCitylastJune.Ireallyliketheentireareaandallthewonderful
amenities.Ibelievehoweverthereshouldbeacurbsiderecyclefreeforalltouse.Thecurrent
methodoftakingittoWasteManagementisok,butmostpeoplewillnotgotothetroubleofsaving
anddrivingtheirtrashtoapickupplace.The$17.00amonthoptionsoundsgoodbutonasmall
fixedincomeitisunaffordable.Ilivedinacommunitymanyyearsagowhentheystartedcurbside
recycleatfirstonlyafewhousesdidit,howeverbytheendofthefirst6monthnearlyeveryhouse
hadafullrecyclebinatthecurbeveryweek.Thankyouforlistening.

Hangupmorelargeowlstokeepthegeeseawayfromourbeachesandparks.Noonecaresforall
thegeeseandgullswhentryingtouseourparks(2)YoufolksfailedwethepeopleofTawsCity
Concerningafewchickensbeingapprovedbyusvoters‐whatmustwethinkyouwilldowiththis
information

WeenjoytheparksinTawasandarehappytoseeupgradesandmaintenancecontinue

Blightordinancesshouldbestronglyenforced.Wehaveseveralareasthatarenotonlyunsightlybut
unhealthy
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Iloveourparks.Keepupthegoodwork!Ourlibraryisterrific!(Friendlywithlotsofactivities)I
hopeTawasCitycangetacampgroundandpossiblyemploymorepeople.Asmallbutcoolriver
runsthroughus.But‐oneminorthingbugsmetheTallShipsign"WheretheRiverGreetstheBay"
shouldhaveadifferentboat.

Toomanyboats/trailers,etc.storedyearroundonownerresidentiallots.Alldrainageditches
shouldbepipedandfilledandattachedtosewer.Putupmorestreetlightsinresidentialareas.What
istheoldCityHallpropertybyWalmartgoingtoholdinfuture?Howaboutanupdatedindoor
movietheatre?WhatistheholduponotherlargebusinesscomingnearWalmart?Lotsofempty
landsittingthere.

WearepleasedwiththeimprovementsintheparkalongU.S.23intheCBD‐Thereisnotalotof
roomforbusinessgrowthalongU.S.23‐businessesshouldbeencouragedtogrowandexpandas
buildingsandspacebecomesavailable‐ShorelineParkhasbroughtmanytothecity‐additional
opportunitiesneedtobemadeavailabletokeeptouristdollarshere!Perhapsazoningchange
allowingadditionalshopsalongoneofthesidestreetsorbehindBrugger'sPlazaandNeiman's‐
whichIamsurewouldbeopposedbylocalresidents.Verypleasedwiththeprogressiveattitudeof
thepresentcouncilandadministrativeandmaintenancestaff.Iindicatedwehaveonlylivedinthe
cityalittleoverayear,wehavebeenlocalresidentsofthearea45yearsandhaveadecent
perspectiveofthearea.Youcouldhaveentanglesyoursurveyreturnbyprovidinganaddressed
envelope.
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Ilikethedirectionthecityhastakenwiththeparksinthepastfewyears.
Roadsdoneedrepairandpatchingnothelpingandweneedadogparkwheredogscanrun
TawasCityneedsadogpark(fencedin)likeCadillac,Michiganhas.Whereisoutdogbeach?IuseE.
Tawasdogbeach.Thepierhastobetoppriority,needstobelikeOscoda'spier.Ihavelivedhere4
yearsanditisaneyesoreanddangerous.Thebathroomseitherneedtoberedone/rebuilt/torn
down.Weneedafruit/veggie/craftfleamarketwecanwalktonearWalmart.Theoldroundhouse
lotbetweenWalmartandoakSt.wouldbewonderfulbutwouldneedsidewalksonOakSt.and
BeechSt.andbetternightlighting.Thereisabuildingforsaleonthelotnow.Weneedagood
communitycenterwithindoortrackforwinterexercise.AgainnearWalmart/Hospitaltowalkto.
WeneedmoreseatingatlandonwateracrossfromWalmart/hospital.OakSt.needssidewalkand
nightlighting.Wehadahomeinvasiononaverydarknight.Nolights,(FirandOak)
Itseemsallservicesfortheresidentshavetobefundedwithadditionalvotedmillage(library,
mosq.Control).IfimprovementsneedtohappenintheParksforthetourists,letthecountypayfor
itliketheOscoda/Ausablebiketrail.
IamnotthrilledwithTony'sTacos.Therefareisnotwhatmostvisitorswant.Weneedaplaceor
servicethatsellshotdogs,hamburgers,icecream,etc..Iknowkids,especially,wouldlikethese
itemsandthecostisless.Tony'sTacosisn'topenatregularhourssoonecan'tcountontheir
serviceswhenatthepark.IlikedthebusinessbeforeTony's.Theyhadtheright"quick"foodsand
theyweremorefriendly.
Anyfuturedevelopmentson23shouldrequireanautical(freshwater‐notocean)theme.New
buildingsshouldlookmorelike432Us23(AbstractOffice)ThankYouforasking
IlivednearAuGresinthelate70'swhenGovernorJamesBlanchardstartedtheinitiativeand
fundingfortheEastsideoftheStatetobecomeasattractiveastheWestSideoftheState.Ifeellike
thepeopleherehavecomealongwaytowardthatgoal.Ireallyenjoydrivingup23totheMackinaw
Bridge.WeareasgoodastheWestSide.Thechangesmadethelasttenyearsintheimmediatearea
havebeenoutstanding.(AlthoughIdomissthesightoftheGreyStoneBuilding).It’snicetoseethe
progressmadeandthenicerimprovementsthatkeeptakingplace.I'mpleasedthatIhavebeena
smallpartofit.
TawasCityneedstoupgradetheirzoningordinanceinregardstocommercialsignsusedintheCity.
Theexistingordinanceisveryantiquatedanddoesnotallowtheuseofpresentdaysignprograms
includingmotionactivity.Thesettimeallowanceforchangingmessageonsigns
TheT.C.tenniscourts/stateboardpark/basketballcourts/icerinkhavebeenatotalwasteof
moneyfortheresidentsofT.C.Ilivewithin1blockofarea,20+yrsoutsideofthebaseballfield:the
areaisNOTused.T.C.hadtenniscourtsinthe70's‐80'sandwereused.TheE.T.builttheircourts
(beautiful)andT.C.playerswenttoE.T.toplay.Theskateboardpark‐toomuchbullyingofyounger
kids‐badelementhangingout,smoking,cursingjustwouldn'tworkwithoutadultsupervision.
Nextwasthousands$$torepavethecourtsandassbasketballbackboards‐NEVERONCEDIDISEE
ANYONEplayingthere!!Ithinkit'stimetogiveitupforsports‐maybeagoodspotforFarmMarket
orResidentialhomethatgeneratesafewtaxdollars.Thankyou
Wehavebeautifulparks,IlovethecraftshowsinT.C.onMemorialandLaborDayweekend.Ido
believeyoushouldtrytogetpeopletofix/maketheexterioroftheirhomespresentable.Someare
justawful.
NotfamiliarwiththeParksotherthanshorelineandgateway.
Wehavelotsofparks,whatweneedtodoisfixourSTREETS!!!!!Ihavetowearbootstogetmymail
whenitrains!!IliveonFourthAvenue.
WelovetheTawasCommunityandfeeltheimprovementsyouhaveoutforththepastfewyears
havebeenwellworththecost!Welookforwardtoyourcontinuedsuccess.
"Let'smakeTawasCitygreatagain"
OverthepastfewyearsTawasCityparkshavegrownandbecomemuchmoreinvitingspacesfor
ourcommunity.ThispastyearIhavespentmoretimethaneverinourownparksratherthan
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travelingoutofTawasCity.ThankyouforthebeautifuljobyouguyshavedonewithShorelinePark
andGateway.Keepupthegoodwork!
TawasCitylooksgreat!EnjoythebeautifulShoreline!Keepupthegoodwork!
Preferably,mycommentabouttheundevelopedpropertyshouldoccuralongtheriverorthelake,
withadesignplan,tobesoattractivethatitdrawstopublictoshop.TawasCityneedssomeofthe
quaintshopsEastTawasenjoys.Thedifferencecouldbeadesignaroundthewaterfeature.People
loveagatheringplacetoeat,shopandsocialize.
WhileIunderstandthemosquitocontrolprogram‐whatcanbedoneabouttheissueofblackflies?
Whenwegototheparks‐especiallyGatewayandthebeachatShoreline,youcanhardlysitand
readthepaper‐thefliesarealloveryou‐evenwhenwehavenofood.Whenencounteredthesame
problematthebeachattheStateParkoutatthelighthouse‐can'twesprayforthem?Thebeachat
GatewayParkcouldbeimprovedalso.Shorelinehasabeach,playground,andnicebathrooms,
Gatewayshouldhavethesame.
Avarietyofviewpointsinthecommitteesisimportant.Wedon'tlikechangeunlessweseeit
benefitsus.Helpustogetoutdoorsinthisblessedscenicarea.
ThereshouldbeamoreeffectivewayofkeepingtheCanadianGeeseoutoftheparks.Very
unsanitaryconditions.
ExpandtheplayscapeatShorelinePark.Provideaplaceforcommunitygroupmeetings(community
rooms)asdoesEastTawas.OurHOAmustgotoEastTawasformeetingspace.
Nonewmillages!Maintainwhatwealreadyhave.Amultiusesoftball/baseballfieldwouldbenice.
Childrenandelderlyfishingaccessonlakeorriver.Morelawsandsignsarenotimprovementsand
don'thelpanything.
Ihatethesightofcarsparkedinfrontyardsorrightuptofrontdoors!Curbsmighthelp.Iwish
therewasawaytocontroltheuseofTawasCityinnewsarticlesaboutcriminalactivity.Just
becausesomeonehasaTCmailaddressdoesnotmakethemaresidentandalotofthenewsgives
usabadname.
ItwouldbeniceiftheCitywouldpaybetterattentiontothemowingofthepropertyatthecornerof
FirstSt.and8thAve.Itseemslikeitisonlydoneonceasummerandoftenlooksunsightly.Wemow
itoccasionally.Thankyouforthemosquitocontrolprograminfo.Veryuseful.
DisapproveoftheremovalofbeautifuloldtreesatShorelineParkfortheupgrade.Itchangedthe
appealandwasapoorlythoughtdecision.
OurfamilyhasenjoyedspendingthesummermonthsintheTawasCityareaformorethan25years.
WeenjoytheParksandAppreciatetheamenitiesandtheimprovementstotheparkfacilities
especiallythepastfewyears.TheGordonClutePlaysculpturesaswellastheplaystructureshave
beenaveryimportantaspectofthechildhoodofourgrandchildrenwhichnowrangeinagefrom9
to23.WeverymuchappreciatethequalityoflifeintheTawasBayCommunity.
TawasCityshouldcontinuetheirrepairingandreplacingofneededstreetsandcurbing.Whathas
beendonewithcurbingonSeventh/IndustrialAve,FirstStreet(byBrugger'sPlaza,MathewsSt,
WhittemoreStandSecondSthasgreatlyimprovedtheappearanceofthosepartsofourCity.
Curbingstreetssavemoneyandtheconditionofthestreetsinthelongrun.AlsohavethePlanning
Commissiondiscussreplacingthestreetlightswithstreetlampposts.IthasbeendoneonUS‐23
throughtheCity,nowputthesameemphasistotheotherareasofthecity.Doatrafficcountofthe
streetsinthecityandbeginwiththemostusedanddevelopaplanforreplacingwherenecessary
curbingwherenotdoneandlampposts.Workonmakingtheinteriorofthecityasbeautifulasthe
US‐23section.Regardingquestions#9‐Approachtheownersofthesalvageyardwithaplantogive
themmorespacethantheyhavenowinthe120acrestohavethemrelocate.Withproperbuffering
anddesign,thisnewlocationwouldnotneedtooffendanyfuturebusinessesinthe120acrearea.If
anagreementcouldbemade,theneighborhoodaroundFourthStandNinthAvewouldbegreatly
improvedforeveryone.
Wewouldreallyliketoseestreetsfixed,likeMurphy.Patchandfilljustmakesitworse.
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LimitamountofvendorsatFarmersmarket.Toomanynonlocalvendorsshouldbepriorityfirst.
Losing10'softhousandsofdollarstakenawayfromlocalbusinesseseachweek.Ican'taffordto
watermyownlawn,I'mnotgoingtopayforwateringmoreparkslikeGateway.Letalonepayingfor
moreequipmentandgastocutmore.Justincreasingmaintenancecost.Ourcitypopulationis
decreasingandweonlyhadabout1,500inthefirstplace.Toomuchmoneybeingspentfortourist
friendlyprojects.Businessesbenefit,notresidentswhohavetopaythemostofit.Alotofusareon
fixedincomeswithnewchallengesthatwillonlymakethingsmuchmoredifficult.Stopspendingon
touristprojects.
Repairandimprovethebikepathalongthelake.Thepathhasbecomequiteroundedandrough,it
needssomework.
Ihaveanabandonedhousenexttomypropertythatshouldbecondemnedandremovedaccording
totheordinancefordangerousproperties.IthasbeenemptyandunlivablesinceImovedinapprox
11yearsago.Thepropertyaddressis505MathewsSt.Whyistheordinancenotenforced?
Teenagersusthepropertyasa"hangout"place.TawasspentmoneyfornewCityHalland
improvementstoMathewsStonlytoleavetheeyesoredespitetheordinance.Iapplaudworkdone
totheshorelineandGatewayParks.Ibelievetheirusehasincreased.Apiersimilartotheonein
OscodawouldenhancethelooksoftheShorelineParkandincreasetheuseofthepier.
FixotherboatlaunchacrossfromoldITTcomplexmaybefishstationonTawasRiver.
IthinkTawasCityhasdoneafantasticjobinthelastfewyears.Keepupthegoodwork.
Ihavenoticed,andprettysureothershave,thesewagetreatmentfacilitydrainsdirectlyintothe
river.Ifwedidpromotetheuseoftheriverforcanoeorrafting,itmightbeagoodideatocheckthe
riverforE.coliorotherinfectiousbacteria.Nunnstreetandtheriverfirst.TrailerparkatM‐55and
River,andMemorialforVeteransParkcanoelaunch.With3checkpointslikethese,Tawaswould
protectthemselvesfromaDEQdisaster.Idon'tlikenotknowingwhatisdischargedintotheriver.I
thoughttheyusedtheswampfirstasafilter,butthepipejustgivesmethecreeps.Thankyou,for
allowingpetsforresponsibleownersinourparks.Afterall,wedopayforlicensesandvetbillsfor
vaccines.
HavingtheFarmersMarketatGatewayParkonSaturdaymorningsmakesboatlaunchverydifficult
touse.Saturdayisthebusiestdayforthelaunch
Concerningthebikepath,pleasetrimthetreeshighenoughthatapersonseatedonabikewon'thit
thelimbsorbestruckintheface.Remindbusinesses,residentsandcityworkersnottoparkor
leavetools,etc.onthebikepaths.Thiscouldcauseabikertoveerintotraffic.
Iwouldliketoseethetownhave:aStarbuckcoffeeplaceoraCariboucoffeehouse.TawasCityhave
morerestaurantse.g.,anAuBonPam,anicecreamplacee.g.,Rita'sandA&Wlikeinthe60's.Make
theTawasDockintoaPier.
Toreiteratequestion13,alibrarythatclosesat1:00pmonweekdaysdoesnotservicechildren
whoareinschooluntil3.Thisdoesn'tmakesense.
WouldbenicetoseeimprovementsmadetoourpierattheTawasCityParksinceallthenice
improvementsaredonewiththepark,thepiershouldmatchup.
Cleanbeachesarealwaysattractive‐getridofgoosedoodoo!
Weexplorethepossibilityofbuildingabreakwalloutinthebaytohelppreventtherivermouth
frombackfilling,asthemarinasalso.Hopefullythiswillhelppreventdebrisfrompilingonour
beachesandhelptheGatewayParkBeachProjecttakeoff.
Deletespotzoningandgotodistrictzoning
Justathought...thereisnoplaceforboatstocomeuptothebeach.Doyouthinkwecouldgeta
mooringsection?MaybeinfrontofthepavilionbyDr.Sharma's?Ifitisoverenough,itshouldn't
disruptthepaddleboarders….IknowIwouldlikeadesignatedspottopullupourboatsoIcanrun
acrossthestreetandgetmuchneededsupplies!
Atenniscourt"update"or"new"wouldbeniceinsteadofhavingtotryanduse/drivetoeastTawas
courtsintheirpark.MoreseatsalongwalkwayparalleltoUS23acrossfromWalmart(Adjacentto
safetyfence)(placestoread,enjoyview,lunch,etc.)
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Ourparksarewellmaintainedandattractive.Oneofthebigdrawstoourarea.
TheCityhasimprovedtheparksandmadethemmuchbettertouseandimprovedthebeautyofthe
shorelinecomingintothecitytheyshowwecareaboutourshoreline.
Pleaseaddanindoorswimmingpool!
Stopusingourtaxdollarsontourists.Ipay$1400.00peryearforagraveldrive(street)fullof
potholesandnothingbutmud,mycarbottomsoutwherethegravelmeetsthepavement.
Howabouta"baitshop"atShorelineand/orGatewayPark.ItwouldbringinmoneyfortheCity,and
aplacetobuybaitwhilenothavingtoleavetheparktobuyfishingbait.Asforthe"gunrange"on
the120acres,theCityshouldcheckout"TopGun"firingrangeinDaytonaBeach,FLtoseehowitis
beingused.IuseditwhilevisitingmybrotherinDaytonaBeach,FLinJanuary2017.Thankyoufor
thequestionnaire.FromDennisMcFetersat53312thAve,TawasCity.
WeliveacrosstheroadfromElmsNeighborhoodPark.Theneighborslikethelittleparkanditis
nicetohaveagreenspaceinourneighborhood.IhopetheCitydoesnotsellit.Wereallyneedafew
nicerestaurantsintown.
Inregardstoordinanceenforcement:yardregulations:300blockof5thAvehasmanyyardsfilled
withdebris(appliances,brokenvehicles,etc.)thatisunsightly.Sec4‐1DangerousAnimals(B)It
shallbeunlawfulforanypersontoharborpitbullsetc.Pitbullscurrentlyresideinthefollowing
areasofTawasCity:1)300blockof9thAve2)on8thAve3)921HarrisAve4)9021stSt.This
ordinanceneedsimmediateenforcement.
Maybeinthefutureashuffleboardcourtandahorseshoepitintheotherparks.ShorelineParknew
sidewalksdonotprovideforeasyonandoffforbikeriders.Theyusetohaveeasyonandoffcurbs
andtheyweretakenaway.Bikeridingisahugewayofstayingfitandthatneedstobeencouraged
inourcommunity.Showingoutdoormoviesaregreatforalltoenjoy.Everyonebringstheirchairs
andgetstoknoweachother.Dowehaveanareatoiceskate?Greatfamilysportanditgiveour
youngpeoplesomethingtoenjoy.Hockeyandskatingwouldbegreattoofferthecommunity.
TheCityshouldbeproudoftheentranceintoTawasCitybyGatewayPark.Visitormustfeelgood,
asiftheyjusttookabreathoffreshairastheypassbyourbeautifullakefrontthatlookspristine
evenonSundayevenings.Wearesolucktoliveinsuchalovelyplace.Thankyouforhelpingto
keepitthatway.
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