Lilac bush at Tim Carroll's home; if you'd like to send him a note, he is currently at Bay Ridge Assisted Living, 3825 Scenic Ridge, Traverse City, MI 49684 | Jane Boursaw Photo
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As always, there’s a lot happening on the Old Mission Peninsula. Have you checked out the hardware section at Peninsula Market yet? Check it out below, along with other recent news and photos.
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The porch at Old Mission Inn; In addition to breakfast every day, 8 – 11 a.m., Mission Bay Cafe is now serving dinner on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 3 – 8 p.m.The hardware section at Peninsula Market | Jane Boursaw PhotoThe Traverse City Senior Center’s hiking group recently toured the historic Dougherty House and hiked the trail; the house is open for the season; tours are available Wed. – Sat., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 18459 Mission Road | Dougherty PhotoFarmer meeting hosted by the Citizens Coalition of Old Mission Peninsula; one of their goals is to replace the Township’s Ag Amendment 201 with a new amendment, which you can read here | Jane Boursaw PhotoRoadside flowers in the village of Old Mission | Jane Boursaw PhotoBeach Reads available for sale at Peninsula Community Library | Jane Boursaw PhotoIf you ever want to see some deer, just drive to the village of Old Mission or out by the Lighthouse; I spotted this deer from one of the fire trails | Jane Boursaw PhotoAt last week’s end-of-season potluck hosted by the Old Mission Peninsula Historical Society at the Old Mission Legion Hall, Penny Rosi told her story of how Sandra Day O’Connor stopped by the Hessler Log Cabin on Log Cabin Day. Penny was a docent at the cabin that day. This year’s Log Cabin Day is Sunday, June 28 – more info coming | Jane Boursaw PhotoWhile I was at the Historical Society potluck, I checked out my dad’s memorial display at the Legion Hall; Walter Johnson had a long military career, ending as Lt. Commander with the Coast Guard Reserves in Traverse City | Jane Boursaw Photo
Bluff Road Construction Project Update
Lots of folks have asked how the Bluff Road construction project is going. According to Township records, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a meeting on Nov. 10, 2025 regarding the project. After discussion, the following motion was made by Visger and seconded by Prescott:
“I move the Zoning Board of Appeals direct staff to conduct a review into the feasibility of driveway access from Bluff Road to the McFall property parcel 28-11-134-00003-03, Peninsula Township including obtaining formal documentation from the Grand Traverse County Road Commission regarding access approval or denial and engineering analysis of alternative driveway configurations. The property owner shall deposit an escrow of $7,000. (That will be $3500 for engineering review and $3500 for legal fees) within 10 business days to cover Township costs. The cease-and-desist order shall remain in full effect unless the underlying zoning administrator’s determination is appealed and no construction work shall be permitted on site until such escrow is paid in full and the Board reconvenes at a special meeting to be scheduled within 30 days of escrow receipt to determine whether further action regarding Variance Number 927 is warranted.”
Read the full minutes of that meeting here, and check out a few photos below. (My property line and driveway is on the other side of the red mesh fence.)
Beautiful lilac bush!! Love all the photos around the peninsula. You must be so proud of your dad and what a nice remembrance having his memorial display in Legion Hall. I appreciate all you do to keep us informed on the peninsula!
Beautiful lilac bush!! Love all the photos around the peninsula. You must be so proud of your dad and what a nice remembrance having his memorial display in Legion Hall. I appreciate all you do to keep us informed on the peninsula!