A Brief News Update and Looking Ahead at Next Week
A busy week in East Lansing, capped by a home Michigan State football game, has made for plenty of news around town — though a cursory skim of the upcoming week’s agendas indicates this coming week, the last week of October, might be a little calmer.
Football game day returns
ELi confirmed with East Lansing Police Deputy Chief Steve Gonzalez that ELPD has issued four citations — which carry a $500 fine — and no warnings under the new law making it a civil infraction to violate public health orders. Council approved the ordinance on Oct. 13.
That ordinance was designed to crack down on large gatherings — namely college parties — and is among several measures the City has taken in regard to Covid-19. With the MSU football game against Rutgers at Spartan Stadium, the City issued a press release outlining the various measures and precautions in place. Among them are the new law about the public health civil infraction, a ban on tailgating on campus, and a ban on open alcohol containers on either side of Grand River Ave.
“Certainly, there are financial penalties for violations of ordinances and orders, but the real cost is when COVID-19 spreads to vulnerable community members,” said Ingham County Health Officer Linda S. Vail in the release. “Rarely do cases stay in limited geographic boundaries or spread only among one population demographic. Please take precautions on game day.”
Mayor Aaron Stephens organized a group of 12 mayors representing 11 Big Ten cities in sending a letter to the Big Ten on Tuesday, Oct. 20, asking for two specific accommodations to make the league’s return to play as safe as possible.
And ELi published on Wednesday a deep dive on the return of Big Ten football to East Lansing and its impact.
We’ll be paying attention all gameday to what is happening around town. Stay tuned.
On to next week
The Study Committee on an Independent Police Oversight Commission meets for the second time on Monday, Oct. 26, starting at 6 p.m. and will continue to develop a work plan. The group will also be getting a data presentation from ELPD. See the agenda here.
The first meeting illustrated the daunting task before the Study Committee.
Also on Monday, the East Lansing School Board meets starting at 7 p.m. and will be voting on a plan for students to begin returning for in-person instruction in January. The Board will also be handling several financial matters. See the agenda here.
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 6 p.m., the Transportation Commission meets and will be focused on two street-parking matters on Lilac Ave., Ardson Rd., and Marshall St. See that agenda here.
There is no meeting of City Council planned for this week.
Then on Wednesday, Oct. 28, the Planning Commission meets starting at 7 p.m. That group will be delving into two issues of interest: The site plan for 3225 West Rd. that features a four-story hotel and medical marijuana dispensary,and a controversial application to modify the site plan at 300 W. Grand River Ave. to convert first-floor retail into six small apartments. See that agenda here.
Also, that morning at 10 a.m., the Arts Selection Panel will meet and discuss the potential options for a mural welcoming people to East Lansing. That mural is set to be installed on the side of Harrison Roadhouse.
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