TCAPS transfers 130.44 acres of property to Township of Blair

Public schools in the Traverse City area announced Monday that they have transferred 130.44 acres of property to Blair Township.

They say discussions began in 2019 between the TCAPS administration and the Board of Education with the Oleson family, the Township of Blair, TART Trails and Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy regarding 208 acres of TCAPS property located behind the Blair Elementary School.

TCAPS says the Township of Blair has expressed an interest in developing part of the land in an effort to meet its master plan goals.

These objectives include: the development and expansion of a network of interconnected non-motorized trails for recreational, civic and commercial services in the township, connectivity to the ongoing development of the TART trail network, the preservation of open spaces and panoramic views in the development of opportunities and facilities, encouraging the development of neighborhood parks and building a new township fire station.

According to TCAPS, the township carried out the necessary surveys of the land and shared renderings and plans for future development.

TCAPS Says Following Consideration Of Plans For The Township Fire Hall And Future Trails At Its Board Of Directors Meeting On Monday, They Have Decided To Formally Transfer 130.44 Acres Of Land To Township by Blair.

“The TCAPS property is in exactly the area that I really envisioned. The possibilities for trails and outdoor activities are endless for the Township of Blair, ”said Township of Blair Supervisor Nicole Blonshine. “The support, collaboration and enthusiasm shared between Blair Township, TCAPS, the Oleson family, TART Trails and Land Conservancy has been nothing short of amazing.”

“This is an important project for the Township of Blair and for the County of Southern Grand Traverse,” said Matthew Anderson, Treasurer of the TCAPS Board of Directors. Nicole Blonshine and Christine Thomas-Hill (TCAPS Associate Superintendent) led the way in this collaborative effort with longtime community benefactors, the Oleson family and TART Trails to realize the exciting future uses and potential of the property. “

TCAPS is now beginning the process of transferring the 130.44 acres of land to the Township of Blair. They say work is expected to start in 2022.