Volunteers Remove Invasive Buckthorn Shrub, One Saturday at a Time
East Lansing Environmental Stewardship Program is planning a volunteer workday on Saturday. We provide the details and revisit an article about a previous volunteer work day.
Author: Chris Gray
Chris Gray reports for ELi on East Lansing’s Government, including City Council, Planning Commission, and the Downtown Development Authority. He also does outdoor and environment reporting for us, covering parks and trails along with climate change issues. Click here to read more about our staff.
Council Unanimously Approves Police Oversight Study Group; Split Vote Removes Mayor as Chair
The vote happened in the shadow of the police killing of George Floyd and amidst more calls for firing ELPD Officer Andrew Stephenson.
Greatly Expanded Outdoor Dining and Free Parking Aimed at Luring People to Downtown East Lansing
As long as the state presents no barriers and the weather cooperates, the culture of drinking and dining in East Lansing will change for at least a few months.
Get Ready for More Outdoor Dining, East Lansing
City staff are looking into ways to enable people to enjoy food and drink (including beer and wine) from local restaurants outside, in public spaces set up with picnic tables.
DDA Releases 57 Relief Grants to Businesses, Not Without Criticism and Debate
Only 57 applicants were deemed eligible for the 100 grants. Now, those who have been late on tax payments will be able to try again.
East Lansing Moves Toward Police Oversight Commission, But Many Steps Remain
East Lansing’s City Council is taking steps toward the ultimate creation of a Police Oversight Commission. What are the sticking points?
East Lansing Business Relief Program to Provide Aid by Third Week in May
How did the Downtown Development Authority ultimately decide to judge applications for one hundred grants of $2,500 each?
As East Lansing Businesses Face Dying Off, DDA Approves Emergency Grant Program
The DDA is diverting $250,000 to help 100 local businesses, as City Council will discuss other possible aid mechanisms.
East Lansing Income Tax Revenue Getting Squashed by MSU’s Campus Closure
Every month MSU employees work from home means significant lost revenue for the City of East Lansing’s new income tax.
East Lansing’s Library Has Treasure Trove Online, Open to All
The East Lansing Public Library’s doors are closed but its online treasure chest is open! Find out what’s available and how things are going financially.
Eviction and Foreclosure Relief Available; Experts Recommend Communicating Needs
Various groups in this region, including the Capital Area Housing Partnership, are working to help people avoid eviction, foreclosure, and homelessness.
The Slow Movement Toward Marijuana Sales in East Lansing
What will the Skymint operation on Coolidge Road be like, and what is more generally the status of retail marijuana sales in East Lansing? ELi’s Chris Gray reports.
Environment | News | Schools
Playgrounds Close, but Recreation Opportunities Await at Area Parks
There are plenty of outdoor paths and exercise opportunities to explore in East Lansing, Meridian Township and throughout the tri-county area — while still practicing social distancing. ELi’s Chris Gray brings us this tour.
Ask ELi: Will the Coronavirus Change the Census Count in East Lansing? UPDATED
The Census Bureau is saying students who normally attend school here should be counted as living here for the census. But will they be?