Even with all the visitors, this is still a relaxed, family-oriented place. It’s easy to live here. You can go for a walk, ride your bike, send your kids to camp, and still feel like you’re part of a real hometown.” Residential development has kept pace, with innovative projects that respond to the evolving needs of the market. One example is a rental-only development of single-family homes, an uncommon model in the region, with 20% of the units designated for workforce housing. Another project preserved a well-loved golf course within the layout of a new neighborhood, blending community heritage with modern residential options and open space. “We’re seeing thoughtful development,” says Friend. “Developers are recognizing the value of what’s already here and building with that in mind, enhancing the character of the township, not replacing it.” REIMAGINING THE BAYFRONT EXPERIENCE Perhaps the most ambitious undertaking in East Bay is the transformation of the East Bay Beach District along US-31, the highest-traffic corridor in Grand Traverse County. “Historically, it’s been a pass-through area, full of private investment—restaurants, hotels—but lacking public infrastructure,” says Karner. “We wanted to change that.” The township secured two federal grants—one from the USDA and one from Michigan’s Coastal Management Program—to launch a community-led design process. Through workshops, charrettes, and steering committees, residents and business owners envisioned a more vibrant, walkable, and locally inclusive district. The outcome: new branding and signage, a dedicated website, public access planning, proposed pedestrian crossings, and even a public pier with kayak and canoe access. “We’re not just building a destination for tourists,” 91 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 EAST BAY TOWNSHIP, MI
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