Author: Lucas Day

Before becoming Managing Editor in January 2024, Luke worked for two years as ELi’s City Desk Editor. A native of northern Michigan, he holds an associate of arts degree from Northern Central Michigan College, a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in social work, both from Michigan State University. Having been a beat reporter for The State News, Luke has a strong understanding of local government and town-gown relations. Prior to joining ELi, he also worked for The Graphic/Petoskey News-Review, Great Lakes Echo and The St. Ignace News and he interned with the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness. Click here to read more about our staff.
Council Hears Presentations From BWL, ELIPOC at Discussion-Only Meeting

Council Hears Presentations From BWL, ELIPOC at Discussion-Only Meeting

The city’s police oversight commission shared its 2023 annual report, and BWL reps spoke about rate increases, and future energy projects.

Council Votes Against Development Moratorium, Discusses Ending Pretextual Stops

Council Votes Against Development Moratorium, Discusses Ending Pretextual Stops

City Manager Robert Belleman said he believes it would be “premature” to put a moratorium on developments while the city investigates its stormwater management standards at the Oct. 1 City Council meeting.

Leaders of Groups For and Against Proposal 1 Explain Their Stances

Leaders of Groups For and Against Proposal 1 Explain Their Stances

The League of Women Voters of the Lansing Area and ELi hosted a program to hear from those on each side of Proposal 1, which would impact the city’s housing and rental regulations.

DDA Hires Firm to Market Evergreen Properties, Sets Asking Price

DDA Hires Firm to Market Evergreen Properties, Sets Asking Price

The properties have been initially listed at $4.435 million.

School Board Candidates Give Their Policy Ideas

School Board Candidates Give Their Policy Ideas

This is the final of three stories bringing the responses all six East Lansing Board of Education candidates gave to questions ELi asked them

School Board Candidates Address School Safety

School Board Candidates Address School Safety

This is the second of three stories bringing the responses all six East Lansing Board of Education candidates gave to questions ELi asked them.

School Board Candidates Describe Their Qualifications, Priorities if Elected

School Board Candidates Describe Their Qualifications, Priorities if Elected

This is the first of three stories bringing the responses all six East Lansing Board of Education candidates gave to questions ELi asked them.

Fall Updates from ELi

Fall Updates from ELi

ELi has new employees, earned a couple of grants and our team looks forward to continue bringing important stories.

Early Voting for the General Election Started Today

Early Voting for the General Election Started Today

Election Day is more than a month away, but voting officially started today.

ELi and the Lansing Area League of Women Voters to Hold Program on Proposed Charter Amendment

ELi and the Lansing Area League of Women Voters to Hold Program on Proposed Charter Amendment

The program will be recorded Oct. 4 and distributed widely soon after it is finished. To better gauge the questions residents have, we are also allowing readers to submit questions before the event.

Housing Commission Takes First Look at Proposed New Housing, Rental Ordinances

Housing Commission Takes First Look at Proposed New Housing, Rental Ordinances

The city hopes new proposed ordinance changes address resident concerns about its housing and rental regulations.

Drastic Stormwater Management Measures? BWL to Explain Rate Increases? Folk Fest Returning? Questions Emerge from Council Meeting

Drastic Stormwater Management Measures? BWL to Explain Rate Increases? Folk Fest Returning? Questions Emerge from Council Meeting

At its Sept. 17 meeting, City Council voted to accept a property donation on Cresenwood Road to be used as a park or green space.

Council Talks Flooding, Gets Update on Wet Weather Resiliency Plan

Council Talks Flooding, Gets Update on Wet Weather Resiliency Plan

The city is searching for solutions after it was hit by two “historic” storms over the summer.

Council Approves Motel, Calls Out BWL Rate Increases
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Council Approves Motel, Calls Out BWL Rate Increases

BWL will increase its rates at the start of October.

DDA Recommends Point System to Encourage Green Building Practices, Affordable Housing

DDA Recommends Point System to Encourage Green Building Practices, Affordable Housing

If the system is eventually approved by council, developers could spend points to bypass council approval that is usually needed for special use permits to add height to buildings or reduce the minimum lot size requirement. 

Charter Review Committee Holds First Meeting

Charter Review Committee Holds First Meeting

The committee started its year-long review of the city charter at a Thursday, Aug. 22 meeting.

City Officials Search for Answers to Flooding at Community Listening Session

City Officials Search for Answers to Flooding at Community Listening Session

The city is looking to identify all factors contributing to widespread flooding in recent years.

Pair of Developments are Approved by Council

Pair of Developments are Approved by Council

Council approved a gas station and convenience store, and a multi-tenant retail and restaurant space at its Aug. 13 meeting.

Charter Amendment Committee Members Picked; Proposed Rental Ordinance Changes Revealed at Council Meeting
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Charter Amendment Committee Members Picked; Proposed Rental Ordinance Changes Revealed at Council Meeting

Diane Goddeeris, Jonathan Forman, Jeffrey Hank, Veronica Wilkerson-Johnson, Ruben Martinez, Jill Rhode and Pam Weil have been selected to serve on the charter review committee.

City Officials Taking Feedback About Flooding at Aug. 15 Event

City Officials Taking Feedback About Flooding at Aug. 15 Event

A June storm brought 3-4 inches of rain and a July storm brought upwards of 7 inches. Both storms brought widespread flooding in East Lansing.

DDA Zeroes in on Marketing Firm for Evergreen Properties; Revises MOU for Executive Director

DDA Zeroes in on Marketing Firm for Evergreen Properties; Revises MOU for Executive Director

DDA members favored an applicant to market its Evergreen properties, but want to negotiate the price tag.

It’s Election Day!

It’s Election Day!

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for today’s primary election.

Council Approves Toned Down Caption to be Placed on Ballot with Charter Amendment

Council Approves Toned Down Caption to be Placed on Ballot with Charter Amendment

“The proposed charter amendment below was initiated by a citizen initiated petition and not the East Lansing City Council,” the revised caption reads.

City Council to Consider Adding “Explanatory Caption” to Proposed Charter Amendment

City Council to Consider Adding “Explanatory Caption” to Proposed Charter Amendment

A special City Council meeting to be held tomorrow (July 31) at 6 p.m. was added to the city calendar this morning.

Council Talks Flooding; Defers Discussion on Charter Committee

Council Talks Flooding; Defers Discussion on Charter Committee

For years, flooding has hurt residents around East Lansing. A solution to the problem seems far away.

Filing Deadline Passes, Clerk Marie Wicks Presents on Two Upcoming Elections

Filing Deadline Passes, Clerk Marie Wicks Presents on Two Upcoming Elections

While the Presidential election gathers most headlines, there are important local items to be decided at the looming elections.

Only One Candidate Has Applied to Run for School Board, as Filing Deadline Approaches

Only One Candidate Has Applied to Run for School Board, as Filing Deadline Approaches

The filing deadline is July 23 and four school board seats will be up for grabs in November’s election.

Planning Commission Discusses Tree Removal Process, B&B Definition

Planning Commission Discusses Tree Removal Process, B&B Definition

No major votes were held, but the Planning Discussion held important discussions around tree removals, a new bed and breakfast definition and a proposed motel.

East Lansing Devastated by Flooding Again

East Lansing Devastated by Flooding Again

Two storms have caused widespread flooding in East Lansing in less than a month.

Mayor George Brookover Announces Preferred Charter Review Committee Members

Mayor George Brookover Announces Preferred Charter Review Committee Members

While council isn’t scheduled to make a final decision on members of the charter review committee until August, Brookover’s memo shows which candidates have an inside track to being appointed.

Council Sets Guidelines for Charter Review Committee Selection; Partners with Gun Violence Reduction Program

Council Sets Guidelines for Charter Review Committee Selection; Partners with Gun Violence Reduction Program

In addition to council settling on an August selection date, City Attorney Anthony Chubb explained the limited scope the committee will have at the June 18 City Council meeting.

ELPD Stopped Sending the City’s Police Oversight Commission Footage. It’s Unclear Why

ELPD Stopped Sending the City’s Police Oversight Commission Footage. It’s Unclear Why

A change in procedure has ELPD requesting commissioners watch footage at set times with officers or the city attorney present.

City Officials Continue to Spar with Residents Over Proposed Charter Amendment

City Officials Continue to Spar with Residents Over Proposed Charter Amendment

Residents circulating a petition to change the city charter and two members of City Council have offered drastically different interpretations of what the amendment would do.

Drive Thru Rejected, Renaming Committee Approved, Judges Present at City Council Meeting

Drive Thru Rejected, Renaming Committee Approved, Judges Present at City Council Meeting

After being recommended by the Planning Commission in January, a proposal for retail spaces and a drive thru restaurant on Lake Lansing Road could not win over approval from City Council at the Tuesday, June 4 meeting.

Cyber Crime Cost City $50,000

Cyber Crime Cost City $50,000

The city was able to provide an update on the financial impact of the cyber crime, but few other details.

DDA Talks Evergreen Properties, New Director and Responds to Councilmember’s Comments

DDA Talks Evergreen Properties, New Director and Responds to Councilmember’s Comments

The DDA is hopeful to soon find a firm to market its Evergreen Avenue properties.

Police Chief Kim Johnson Resigns

Police Chief Kim Johnson Resigns

In April, the city announced Johnson was being investigated after an internal complaint was filed against him.

New Emergency Alert System, Budget and Potential Charter Change Addressed at Council Meeting

New Emergency Alert System, Budget and Potential Charter Change Addressed at Council Meeting

The budget is finally set for fiscal year 2025.

Council Talks Budget, Establishes Charter Review Committee

Council Talks Budget, Establishes Charter Review Committee

There was a packed agenda for this week’s City Council meeting.

Residents, Environmental Groups Concerned about Proposed BWL Plant

Residents, Environmental Groups Concerned about Proposed BWL Plant

BWL claims it is working towards a cleaner portfolio for energy production. Environmentalists question why the company is proposing a fossil fuel-based facility.

Voters Approve $23.5 Million School Bond

Voters Approve $23.5 Million School Bond

With over 4,600 votes cast, more than two-thirds of voters approved of the bond proposal.

DDA to Once Again Take Pitches on Evergreen Properties

DDA to Once Again Take Pitches on Evergreen Properties

The DDA will again look to find the right development for its long-held properties.

Police, DPW and More Give Budget Presentations

Police, DPW and More Give Budget Presentations

City staff returned for the second straight week to present on budget requests, Tuesday, April 23.

School of Choice Openings Approved, Glencairn Principal Search Announced at School Board Meeting

School of Choice Openings Approved, Glencairn Principal Search Announced at School Board Meeting

The Monday, April 22 Board of Education meeting was the last for ELPS before voters will decide on a $23.5 million school bond proposal.

Council Receives First Round of Budget Presentations Ahead of FY 2025

Council Receives First Round of Budget Presentations Ahead of FY 2025

The new fiscal year will start July 1, 2024.

Council Approves “Flexible” Albert El Fresco Plan

Council Approves “Flexible” Albert El Fresco Plan

Street closures allowing for Albert El Fresco starting April 29 were approved by City Council.

Incentivizing Positive Behavior, Building Relationships Discussed at School Board Meeting

Incentivizing Positive Behavior, Building Relationships Discussed at School Board Meeting

The school board heard from Donley Elementary School Principal Tracey Barton and others on strategies to encourage good behavior.

ELPD Chief Kim Johnson on Leave

ELPD Chief Kim Johnson on Leave

Few details are known at this time, but City Manager Robert Belleman has confirmed the ELPD chief is on leave.

Council Approves Glencairn Overlay, Unhappy with El Fresco Shrinkage

Council Approves Glencairn Overlay, Unhappy with El Fresco Shrinkage

Council hopes to hear a plan that does not downsize the El Fresco area so much before it is scheduled to open on April 29.

Albert El Fresco Tweaks, Illegal Parking Discussed by DDA

Albert El Fresco Tweaks, Illegal Parking Discussed by DDA

Albert El Fresco will return to downtown East Lansing later this month.

Michigan Waterways Stewards: Meet the New Coalition Conserving Local Waters

Michigan Waterways Stewards: Meet the New Coalition Conserving Local Waters

Michigan Waterways Stewards are working with local businesses, organizations and volunteers to clean up the Red Cedar River and other Michigan bodies of water.

Path to Healthy Pension Funding Laid out to Council

Path to Healthy Pension Funding Laid out to Council

For years, the city has struggled with its underfunded pension plan. Now, there appears to be a path forward – but there is work to do.

ELIPOC Amendments Approved by Council

ELIPOC Amendments Approved by Council

Though controversial, the amendments to the ordinance regulating the city’s police oversight commission are meant to provide clarity, and not change how the commission functions.

Council Not Sold on Proposed Short Term Rental Legislation

Council Not Sold on Proposed Short Term Rental Legislation

The city’s lobbyist spoke at the March 12 discussion-only City Council meeting to update Council on proposed legislation that would regulate short term rentals. Council was not in favor of the legislation in its current form, however.

Spin Scooters Banished, Tree Maintenance Approved by City Council

Spin Scooters Banished, Tree Maintenance Approved by City Council

City Council permanently revoked Spin scooter company’s license to operate in East Lansing at last night’s meeting.

Equitable Hiring, Modernizing Systems Among Priorities Set by Council

Equitable Hiring, Modernizing Systems Among Priorities Set by Council

City Council held a special meeting to narrow down a large list of priorities for 2024 and 2025.

Secontine Investigation Released, Finds One Charter Violation

Secontine Investigation Released, Finds One Charter Violation

A report from independent investigator J. Randall Secontine explores alleged charter violations and gives insight to some factors that stressed out city staff members.

Secontine’s Investigation to be Released

Secontine’s Investigation to be Released

The East Lansing City Council voted to release investigator Randall Secontine’s report at its Feb. 20 meeting.

Council Tackles Variety of Issues in Tuesday Meeting
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Council Tackles Variety of Issues in Tuesday Meeting

Glencairn rental restriction overlay public hearing set, rejected projects discussed and minutes of Nov. 2 special meeting finally approved during 90-minute session.

Brookover Negotiates EV Charger at Car Wash; Gas Station and B&B Proposals Rejected
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Brookover Negotiates EV Charger at Car Wash; Gas Station and B&B Proposals Rejected

City Council heard another statement condemning the election of Singh as mayor pro tem over Watson.

Video of Nov. 2 Special Council Meeting Released On City YouTube Channel
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Video of Nov. 2 Special Council Meeting Released On City YouTube Channel

The video was uploaded to the city’s YouTube channel, but not added to the meeting calendar like other recordings. City manager tells ELi it was an “oversight.”

Police, Public Works and Other City Departments Lay Out 2024 Priorities
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Police, Public Works and Other City Departments Lay Out 2024 Priorities

City strategic planning will continue at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Hannah Center.

Lansing NAACP Speaks Against Perceived Bias from Council
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Lansing NAACP Speaks Against Perceived Bias from Council

Following statements by the NAACP’s James McCurtis and Councilmember Dana Watson, Council heard presentations from city department heads about 2024 priorities.

Council Rejects Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Resolution
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Council Rejects Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Resolution

Despite emotional testimony from many personally impacted by the conflict, the resolution drafted by the Human Rights Commission was rejected 4-1.

Council Kicks off 2024 with Stacked Meeting Agenda
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Council Kicks off 2024 with Stacked Meeting Agenda

Tuesday’s meeting includes 10 items on the business agenda, 3 public hearings and a mysterious closed session.

What Does ELi See Ahead in 2024?

What Does ELi See Ahead in 2024?

Here are the stories on the reporting and editorial team’s radar in the new year.

A Year in Review: What ELi Covered in 2023

A Year in Review: What ELi Covered in 2023

With the year coming to an end, we look back at top stories and issues in the City of East Lansing.

Council Takes a Long Look at Finances
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Council Takes a Long Look at Finances

During public comment, speakers requested the city support a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Overlay in Glencairn to be Considered After Widespread Confusion, Protest
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Overlay in Glencairn to be Considered After Widespread Confusion, Protest

The interim planning director and a Council member work to explain the overlay ordinances. But the debate is expected to continue.

Council Floats Regional Strategy Following Deer Management Presentation

Council Floats Regional Strategy Following Deer Management Presentation

The deer management plan and January cull were approved 4-1 at the Nov. 28 meeting.

Overlay Districts, Bias All Broached at Eventful Meeting
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Overlay Districts, Bias All Broached at Eventful Meeting

City Council heard from 20 members of the community during the public comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting.

More Work Needed for Use of Force Recommendations; ELPD Being Investigated by State

More Work Needed for Use of Force Recommendations; ELPD Being Investigated by State

Facilitators will revise the use of force report and recommendations based on ELIPOC and community feedback.

The Numbers: Analysis of Data From Nov. 7 Election

The Numbers: Analysis of Data From Nov. 7 Election

Kerry Ebersole Singh ran well ahead of other candidates in a City Council election that saw a strong turnout.

Following in His Father’s Footsteps, George Brookover Is Mayor of East Lansing

Following in His Father’s Footsteps, George Brookover Is Mayor of East Lansing

Erik Altmann, Mark Meadows and Kerry Ebersole Singh are sworn in, joining George Brookover and Dana Watson on City Council.

Ebersole Singh Runs Way Ahead of Pack; Meadows, Altmann to Return to Council
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Ebersole Singh Runs Way Ahead of Pack; Meadows, Altmann to Return to Council

In unofficial results from Tuesday’s election, Dan Bollman narrowly missed out on the third slot. Noel Garcia finished fifth, Joshua Ramirez-Roberts was sixth, Rebecca Kasen seventh and Chris Wardell eighth.

Special Council Meeting: Assertion Charter Was Violated Found to be Without Merit, City Attorney Will Settle Two Lawsuits
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Special Council Meeting: Assertion Charter Was Violated Found to be Without Merit, City Attorney Will Settle Two Lawsuits

The agenda for the Thursday meeting was added to the city calendar on Wednesday.

Mysteriously Delivered Packet Tells Story of City Raises and Promotions

Mysteriously Delivered Packet Tells Story of City Raises and Promotions

Councilmember George Brookover expressed discomfort with the actions taken by the outgoing interim city manager. Randy Talifarro, the new city manager and finance director respond.

Everything You Need to Know Ahead of Tuesday’s City Council Elections

Everything You Need to Know Ahead of Tuesday’s City Council Elections

Here’s a roundup of ELi’s election coverage leading up to the polls opening throughout the City of East Lansing on Nov. 7.

Campaign Expenses Reveal Big Differences in Resources Available to Candidates
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Campaign Expenses Reveal Big Differences in Resources Available to Candidates

ELi analyzes and breaks down financial records from the Ingham County Clerk.

$550,000 of EL Taxpayer Money at Risk Due to Cyber Scam

$550,000 of EL Taxpayer Money at Risk Due to Cyber Scam

A vendor’s email was compromised by an outside entity. The city is working with the MSP and FBI to recover the funds.

BWL Project Tabled, New Gas Station Moves to Council

BWL Project Tabled, New Gas Station Moves to Council

The proposed BWL training facility was tabled for further community engagement. The upgrade to the gas station at the corner of Abbot and Saginaw Highway was approved 5-1 by Planning Commission.

People with Disabilities File Most Housing Discrimination Complaints in East Lansing, Analysis Shows

People with Disabilities File Most Housing Discrimination Complaints in East Lansing, Analysis Shows

The required analysis, presented during the Oct. 10 discussion-only City Council meeting, reviewed demographics, affordability and housing complaints.

Where the Eight City Council Candidates Stand on Ballot Initiatives

Where the Eight City Council Candidates Stand on Ballot Initiatives

Responses of “yes” or “no” to the ballot initiatives may give insight into candidates’ political views.

City Council Candidates Explain their Visions for Development, Affordable Housing

City Council Candidates Explain their Visions for Development, Affordable Housing

This is the third short-answer question posed to the eight East Lansing Council candidates.

What are Council Candidates’ Plans to Help Retain City Staff?

What are Council Candidates’ Plans to Help Retain City Staff?

ELi is providing a series of stories with candidate responses to questions generated by readers. This is the second of the series of four packages.

Where do Council Candidates Stand on Moving City Elections?

Where do Council Candidates Stand on Moving City Elections?

ELi is providing a series of three stories with candidate responses to questions generated by readers.

ELIPOC Discusses Goals for Next Six Months

ELIPOC Discusses Goals for Next Six Months

The commission also discussed the “sustained” allegations against an ELPD officer for repeatedly calling a woman after getting her phone number while on duty.

Q&A with ICHD: Where Do We Stand with COVID-19 and What Should We Be Doing?

Q&A with ICHD: Where Do We Stand with COVID-19 and What Should We Be Doing?

“More tools in our toolkit” are helping to reduce the strain on the healthcare system and the health of people in the community.

ELi’s Voter Guide for the 2023 City Council Election

ELi’s Voter Guide for the 2023 City Council Election

All the information you need to be prepared for the upcoming Nov. 7 election.

Middle School PE Teacher Who Used Racial Slur Suspended Again for ‘Unprofessional Verbal Interaction’

Middle School PE Teacher Who Used Racial Slur Suspended Again for ‘Unprofessional Verbal Interaction’

ELPS community has been responding to the recent five-day suspension of Dennis Petrowitz and is planning a “No More Harm” demonstration on Friday.

Robert Belleman to Serve as Next City Manager of East Lansing as Council Approves Contract

Robert Belleman to Serve as Next City Manager of East Lansing as Council Approves Contract

By Lucas Day Concluding a drawn out saga that stretches back to early August, the East Lansing City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday (Sept. 19) in favor of approving a contract for Robert Belleman to serve as the next city manager. Belleman comes to East Lansing following a recent controversy. He was removed from his previous…

ELPAT Hopes to be Part of Force that Pushes ELPS Past Last Year’s Issues

ELPAT Hopes to be Part of Force that Pushes ELPS Past Last Year’s Issues

The team’s goal is to bring together dozens of parent voices and communicate with the school district through a single channel.

City Releases Proposed Contract with City Manager Appointee Robert Belleman
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City Releases Proposed Contract with City Manager Appointee Robert Belleman

City Council will vote on the contract at their Tuesday meeting.

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Mark Meadows

Meet East Lansing City Council Candidate Mark Meadows