Today’s Record-Eagle is reporting that the Traverse City Commission is once again set to debate so-called “Granny Flats” – small apartments, often located above the garage, that have historically been used by families to house elderly relatives who are no longer able or desire to live on their own, but who don’t need or want to be in a nursing home environment.

This is a debate that has been going on for three years now in Traverse City. While opponents worry that allowing these type of apartments will change the face of Traverse City’s neighborhoods and are concerned that provisions requiring the owner to live on site will be difficult to enforce, the Grand Traverse region continues to struggle with sprawl. It’s always difficult to pinpoint the exact causes of sprawling development, but one factor is that while the region is the fastest growing in the state, the population of Traverse City itself is about the same as it was in 1970. Despite the fact that 5,000 people each year relocate to our region, Traverse City is actually 20% smaller than it was 35 years ago. These newcomers have to live somewhere, and without finding innovative ways of adding to the population of Traverse City, we will continue to see our countryside gobbled up at an ever-quickening pace, undermining the character of the region that attracts so many visitors and permanent residents alike. In addition, issues surrounding affordable housing are just as tricky. Allowing for these granny flats is one more way of offering low-priced housing, within the city’s existing infrastructure, that provides an affordable option for students, young professionals and seniors on a fixed income.

There is no one thing that can solve the dual problems of sprawl and affordable housing in our region. But if the Traverse City Commission finally approves the concept of Granny Flats, it will be a step in the right direction. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.