The decision to switch attorneys was made in a narrow 3-2 vote, with a couple council members balking at the higher hourly rate of the new firm.
Brown has been serving as interim chief since December 2024.
Council passed a resolution to adjust next year’s budget to chip away at the deficit, but the biggest part of the initial proposal was left off.
Gebarowski will help guide developments in the downtown area.
With the city slated to operate under a $3.1 million deficit next year, city leaders are looking for ways to cut spending or raise revenue.
Proposals to chip away at the deficit include a major cut to parks funding.
Candidates each answered the same three questions from ELi. The questions were about staffing, policing a college town, and the role police should play in responding to mental health crises.
The city is grappling with a projected deficit of more than $3.1 million in the next fiscal year.
Council hopes increased flexibility for how the city’s public art fund can be used brings “Sound Gardens” and public art classes or workshops to the city.
The city is scheduled to select a new police chief next week.
Council approved a tentative agreement on a settlement amount without disclosing just how much the city will need to spend reimbursing LBWL customers.
East Lansing is scheduled to extend an offer to a new police chief next week, according to a city webpage dedicated to the police chief search. On the page, it says there were 15 applicants who responded to the job posting. A calendar of events states the city selected four or five finalists on April…
Budget season is upon us and City Council dove into discussions about the deficit the general fund is proposed to operate under in the next fiscal year, the impact inflation is having on infrastructure improvements and how big projects on Michigan State University’s campus may impact the city’s finances. City department heads gave presentations on…
The first Ingham County measles case since 1994 was announced earlier this week.
Noisy and speeding cars has been a common complaint in East Lansing for years – but no solution appears to be imminent.
So far, the committee has recommended 19 changes to East Lansing’s guiding document.
Two of the projects earned the recommendation of the Planning Commission and will now seek approval from City Council.
The biggest impact from the cuts could be losing the system libraries use to share resources.
El Fresco will have the same layout as last year, which is smaller than prior years.
City officials appear poised to ask voters to renew the income tax before it sunsets in 2031.
Anyone with information about the shooting should reach out to ELPD Detective Austin Nelson at anelson@cityofeastlansing.com.
Council received a progress report on goals it set at the start of last year.
Belleman’s scores showed no glaring holes in the city manager’s performance–though written comments showed some officials would like him to be more present in the community.
Last May, council put a moratorium on business license fees, asking staff to come up with a fee structure that is more fair.
In a wide ranging interview, Belleman talked about potential revenue streams, spending cuts, the city’s pension debt and uncertainties East Lansing will need to address.
The incident occurred during a professional development day, when students were not on site.
During Black History Month, Deputy Superintendent Glenn Mitcham takes a unique approach to teach young students a difficult history lesson.
The troubling forecast left one council member asking if the city could face bankruptcy.
The city accepted a $185,000 settlement after initially seeking more than $825,000.
The progress report was developed by city staff to give an update on where they believe the city stands in carrying out goals set by council last year.
The two-year anniversary of the mass shooting on MSU’s campus is Thursday.
Council opted to not publicly discuss the Michigan Supreme Court ruling against the city, instead talking about the suit in closed-session.
The court found East Lansing issued a “disguised tax” through BWL bills.
The since-rescinded order caused a local homeless shelter to wonder if its scheduled funding would ever arrive, and early learning centers to close for a day.
Hagan Realty will still need to have a site plan approved in order to build townhomes on Grove Street.
Had the vote passed, the city would have taken legal action to challenge the validity of Proposal 1, a City Charter amendment approved by voters at the November 2024 election.
In 2023, the East Lansing City Council passed a resolution declaring itself a sanctuary city. The resolution reaffirmed policies the city has been practicing for decades.
The city will seek proposals for a new building to relocate city hall to, a site to construct a new city hall or renovations to improve the current site.
Council held a public hearing on a rezoning request from Hagan Realty.
We’re expecting a busy year!
On New Year’s Eve, we look back on our coverage in 2024.
The voters have spoken!
The victim of the scheme received a call from an individual posing as her distressed 16-year-old granddaughter.
After serving as clerk from 2011-2018, Marie Wicks came out of retirement in 2023.
The students are collecting cash, pet toys and more for their “Sharing for the Shelter” donation drive.
City Council continues to search a solution for loud cars driving on busy streets, but a shortage of police officers makes enforcing noise ordinances difficult.
In-school therapy for students and training for teachers are among the strategies ELPS is using to help students overcome mental health challenges.
The seasonal sauna park will operate from January through April 2025.
The company proposing the new pizza shop hopes it can provide a “decent meal at a decent price” to students between classes and workers on lunch break.
At the Nov. 19 City Council meeting, several residents in favor of the charter amendment voiced their belief that the city is exploring legal action to nullify parts of Proposal 1, which was recently approved by voters.
Council hopes the incentive system brings environmentally friendly buildings and affordable units.
Hagan Realty is requesting three parcels near Grove Street be rezoned, so the company can build townhomes.
District leaders gave an update on the projects being paid for by a $23.5 million bond that voters approved in May.
Nearly 83% of votes from the five precincts on the MSU campus were in favor of Proposal 1. Overall, about 54% of votes were “yes” on the charter amendment.
Abbie Tykocki, Elizabeth Lyons, Estrella Torrez and Chris Martin were elected to the school board, and other outcomes from yesterday’s election.
The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
More than 5,500 voters have already cast their ballot at an Early Voting Center.
The Hannah Community Center is currently housing an Early Voting Center that is open until 5 p.m.
Council voted to move forward with the trail extension, instead of delaying the project until 2028.
Election Day is two weeks from tomorrow!
Besides the major agenda items, City Manager Robert Belleman shared at the meeting that the city is struggling to fill some key positions.
The city’s police oversight commission shared its 2023 annual report, and BWL reps spoke about rate increases, and future energy projects.
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.
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.
The properties have been initially listed at $4.435 million.
This is the final of three stories bringing the responses all six East Lansing Board of Education candidates gave to questions ELi asked them
This is the second of three stories bringing the responses all six East Lansing Board of Education candidates gave to questions ELi asked them.
This is the first of three stories bringing the responses all six East Lansing Board of Education candidates gave to questions ELi asked them.
ELi has new employees, earned a couple of grants and our team looks forward to continue bringing important stories.
Election Day is more than a month away, but voting officially started today.
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.
The city hopes new proposed ordinance changes address resident concerns about its housing and rental regulations.
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.
The city is searching for solutions after it was hit by two “historic” storms over the summer.
BWL will increase its rates at the start of October.
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.
The committee started its year-long review of the city charter at a Thursday, Aug. 22 meeting.
The city is looking to identify all factors contributing to widespread flooding in recent years.
Council approved a gas station and convenience store, and a multi-tenant retail and restaurant space at its Aug. 13 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.
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 members favored an applicant to market its Evergreen properties, but want to negotiate the price tag.
The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for today’s primary election.
“The proposed charter amendment below was initiated by a citizen initiated petition and not the East Lansing City Council,” the revised caption reads.
A special City Council meeting to be held tomorrow (July 31) at 6 p.m. was added to the city calendar this morning.
For years, flooding has hurt residents around East Lansing. A solution to the problem seems far away.
While the Presidential election gathers most headlines, there are important local items to be decided at the looming elections.
The filing deadline is July 23 and four school board seats will be up for grabs in November’s election.
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.
Two storms have caused widespread flooding in East Lansing in less than a month.
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.
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.
A change in procedure has ELPD requesting commissioners watch footage at set times with officers or the city attorney present.
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.
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.
The city was able to provide an update on the financial impact of the cyber crime, but few other details.
The DDA is hopeful to soon find a firm to market its Evergreen Avenue properties.
In April, the city announced Johnson was being investigated after an internal complaint was filed against him.
The budget is finally set for fiscal year 2025.
There was a packed agenda for this week’s City Council meeting.
BWL claims it is working towards a cleaner portfolio for energy production. Environmentalists question why the company is proposing a fossil fuel-based facility.
With over 4,600 votes cast, more than two-thirds of voters approved of the bond proposal.
The DDA will again look to find the right development for its long-held properties.
City staff returned for the second straight week to present on budget requests, Tuesday, April 23.
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.
The new fiscal year will start July 1, 2024.
Street closures allowing for Albert El Fresco starting April 29 were approved by City Council.
The school board heard from Donley Elementary School Principal Tracey Barton and others on strategies to encourage good behavior.
Few details are known at this time, but City Manager Robert Belleman has confirmed the ELPD chief is on leave.
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 will return to downtown East Lansing later this month.
Michigan Waterways Stewards are working with local businesses, organizations and volunteers to clean up the Red Cedar River and other Michigan bodies of water.
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.
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.
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.
City Council permanently revoked Spin scooter company’s license to operate in East Lansing at last night’s meeting.
City Council held a special meeting to narrow down a large list of priorities for 2024 and 2025.
A report from independent investigator J. Randall Secontine explores alleged charter violations and gives insight to some factors that stressed out city staff members.
The East Lansing City Council voted to release investigator Randall Secontine’s report at its Feb. 20 meeting.
Glencairn rental restriction overlay public hearing set, rejected projects discussed and minutes of Nov. 2 special meeting finally approved during 90-minute session.
City Council heard another statement condemning the election of Singh as mayor pro tem over Watson.
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.”
City strategic planning will continue at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Hannah Center.
Following statements by the NAACP’s James McCurtis and Councilmember Dana Watson, Council heard presentations from city department heads about 2024 priorities.
Despite emotional testimony from many personally impacted by the conflict, the resolution drafted by the Human Rights Commission was rejected 4-1.
Tuesday’s meeting includes 10 items on the business agenda, 3 public hearings and a mysterious closed session.
Here are the stories on the reporting and editorial team’s radar in the new year.
With the year coming to an end, we look back at top stories and issues in the City of East Lansing.
During public comment, speakers requested the city support a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The interim planning director and a Council member work to explain the overlay ordinances. But the debate is expected to continue.
The deer management plan and January cull were approved 4-1 at the Nov. 28 meeting.
City Council heard from 20 members of the community during the public comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting.
Facilitators will revise the use of force report and recommendations based on ELIPOC and community feedback.
Kerry Ebersole Singh ran well ahead of other candidates in a City Council election that saw a strong turnout.
Erik Altmann, Mark Meadows and Kerry Ebersole Singh are sworn in, joining George Brookover and Dana Watson on City 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.
The agenda for the Thursday meeting was added to the city calendar on Wednesday.
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.
Here’s a roundup of ELi’s election coverage leading up to the polls opening throughout the City of East Lansing on Nov. 7.
ELi analyzes and breaks down financial records from the Ingham County Clerk.
A vendor’s email was compromised by an outside entity. The city is working with the MSP and FBI to recover the funds.
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.
The required analysis, presented during the Oct. 10 discussion-only City Council meeting, reviewed demographics, affordability and housing complaints.
Responses of “yes” or “no” to the ballot initiatives may give insight into candidates’ political views.
This is the third short-answer question posed to the eight East Lansing Council candidates.
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.
ELi is providing a series of three stories with candidate responses to questions generated by readers.
The commission also discussed the “sustained” allegations against an ELPD officer for repeatedly calling a woman after getting her phone number while on duty.
“More tools in our toolkit” are helping to reduce the strain on the healthcare system and the health of people in the community.
All the information you need to be prepared for the upcoming Nov. 7 election.
ELPS community has been responding to the recent five-day suspension of Dennis Petrowitz and is planning a “No More Harm” demonstration on Friday.
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…
The team’s goal is to bring together dozens of parent voices and communicate with the school district through a single channel.
City Council will vote on the contract at their Tuesday meeting.
ELi is providing introductions to the eight East Lansing City Council candidates. In the seventh installment in our series, Lucas Day provides a profile of Mark Meadows. Why is Meadows running?
ELi is providing introductions to the eight East Lansing City Council candidates. In the first installment in our series, Lucas Day provides a profile of Erik Altmann. Why is Altmann running?
Commissioners also discussed during the Aug. 2 meeting reported incidents of ELPD officers looking in parked cars and seeing guns.
“I don’t mind dissent,” Councilmember Dana Watson said last night. “I do mind certain temperatures of it.”
Gregg doesn’t have the power to formally call for revisiting the vote. Only Mayor Ron Bacon and Councilmembers Dana Watson and Noel Garcia can do that.
Cincinnati’s City Manager removed Collin Mays from his directorship following an HR investigation, documents show. Mays denied wrongdoing and subsequently resigned.
Cincinnati’s City Manager removed Collin Mays from his directorship following an HR investigation, documents show. Mays denied wrongdoing and subsequently resigned.
All candidates responded to 21 questions from council members before going into interviews before city staff and then attending an evening reception at the Hannah Center.
The five semi-finalists were chosen from a pool of 14 applicants; only six of the applicants live in Michigan.
Parents also gave a presentation on the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative during the fast-paced regular meeting.
The deadline for filing for candidacy in the East Lansing City Council race passed today at 4 p.m. and it looks like there are either seven or eight candidates running for the three open seats on the November ballot. Interim City Clerk Marie Wicks told ELi at 4:54 p.m. today, “I can confirm that Mark…
Five candidates accepted and two alternates approved to take part in a full day and evening of interviews scheduled for Aug. 7.
Cathy DeShambo replied to questions about the recreation fee structures and provided a link to the department’s budget document.
With Ramirez, there are now 5 candidates running for 3 open seats.
It appeared as though voters would be deciding in November whether or not to expand the East Lansing City Council from five to seven members – briefly. Mayor Ron Bacon had started reading the final item on the business agenda at the Tuesday (July 11) City Council meeting when City Attorney Anthony Chubb interjected. “I…
Council discussed new strategies for the future when making deals with large developers.
The list of candidates continues to grow, but no word yet if Bacon and Gregg are running for reelection.
Commission Chair Erick Williams calls the April 2022 police shooting at Meijer a “learning opportunity” and offers recommendations for the future.
Two former mayors,Liz Schweitzer and Diane Goddeeris, voiced their opposition to the proposed changes, particularly with regard to shifting council elections to even-numbered years.
Two new commissioners and ELPD Lt. Adam Park made their first appearances at the police oversight commission meeting.
After a closed session, the commission voted unanimously to ask Council to use its subpoena powers to investigate DTN in a civil rights complaint.
Three big surprises on this coming Tuesday’s City Council agenda.
The annual meeting is a chance to celebrate the center’s work and honor community members and students.
June as Pride Month and Juneteenth as a holiday are now formally recognized in the City of East Lansing.
Twin cases provide insight into the risks and costs of suits against the city from large, national groups.
A resolution was passed recognizing and honoring the lifesaving actions of first responders and those impacted by the mass shooting on the MSU campus.
Taylor Knickerbocker said she tries to interact with the community as much as she can and typically ends up in a police car to do outreach each day.
A long conversation about bias, responsibility and moving forward as a community preceded the school board’s unanimous decision to approve Ashley Schwarzbek as the next principal of ELHS.
The festival in Bailey Park will showcase five bands on the main stage and four more acts performing on a local stage.
The recommendation will go before the ELPS Board of Education in a special meeting this week or next week.
A long-time physical education teacher has issued an apology after the May 10 matter.
Funding from MSU and the state is up while personnel services are down in the projected fire department budget. Learn more from ELi.
Get the news of what happened at East Lansing’s Council meeting this week.
The goals and objectives of the department for the coming year include working with a number of community groups and serving EL’s diverse population.
City Council is likely to make a decision on the matter on Tuesday, May 9.
Public and commissioners voiced differing opinions on the ELIPOC’s relationship with the ELPD.
City Council approves hiring an independent attorney to investigate the allegations.
An executive recruiter from MML, who will lead the search, laid out the hiring timeline.
While CELL has just organized, the group has already produced a 57-page guidelines document.
The Brookfield neighborhood’s covenant still includes discriminatory language.
Company hopes to make travel between cities easier for college students.
Superintendent Dori Leyko lays out the safety steps taken so far; public comments indicate parents want more.
Police use of force policy continues to be a topic of discussion; commission is looking to fill three openings.
In a 4-0 vote, City Council approved a resolution to accept the funds.
If the project known as “Building C” shifts to a new, local developer who specializes in affordable housing, the number of income-restricted apartments built downtown may go up from 74 to 99. And they’ll be designed for families.
A Crown Castle representative interacted directly with members of the CELL citizen group.
Another Assistant Director’s resignation came to light today, after last night’s Council meeting involved a discussion about what is happening with hiring attempts.
Superintendent Dori Leyko cites “privacy and confidentiality reasons” for providing little information.
A group of East Lansing homeowners are trying to preserve neighborhood aesthetics.
The search will be national and is expected to take at least four months.
Mayor Ron Bacon addressed rumors while Talifarro described “an emotionally challenging and arduous time.”
Forms are available for those who would like to plant trees in front of their houses.
City officials say they cannot block installation of the towers because of a state law.
Board of Review is no longer able to step outside Council’s guidelines.
One week later, community continues to find ways to heal and speak out.
Students and other members of the community gathered on Wednesday to mourn and to vow to take action.
MSU sophomores waded through scary misinformation while barricaded in their dorm room.
ELi brings you this rundown of what is happening today, to keep you informed about delays and closures along with opportunities for public grieving and private support.
Council announces former city clerk Marie Wicks will return as interim clerk; council members also receive their committee assignments.
ELi spoke with MSU Prof. Glenn Stutzky to get his take on ongoing concerns in East Lansing’s public schools.
Kath Edsall resigned as president rather than facing a vote to remove her. A new safety plan was presented and public comment brought many strong comments. ELi brings you details from the four-hour meeting.
The Trojans program continues to grow in numbers and wins.
ELi brings you a wider look at what’s going on with the tensions in East Lansing Public Schools.
“There was a firearm within four feet of me,” a student who rushed to help a teacher told the East Lansing Public Schools Board of Ed. “I had no clue.”
If the “test” area for a new form-based zoning code works out, it could be implemented in other parts of East Lansing, too.
East Lansing residents are adamant they deserve a voice in where cell towers are built.
This is a breaking story and may be updated.
“From the beginning, your honors, in the circuit court and before this court, this case has been a farce,” ELi’sattorney Brian Wassom said. “This is an exercise of Mr. Chapelle’s vanity and vendetta parading as a defamation claim.”
The mayor said he wants to “send out the clarifying call that we are that shining city on the hill.” But Councilmember Brookover said he thinks this will do little additional good, and could harm.
City of East Lansing staff say more than 50 new “small cell” towers may be coming around town.
More units of housing, but fewer residents. And a more diverse populace. What else changed about East Lansing from 2010 to 2020?
The vote came down 7-2-1 and puts a hard stop on the extensions in July 2023. ELi’s Lucas Day reports.
Following an acrimonious debate between City Manager George Lahanas and Councilmember Dana Watson, East Lansing’s deer cull has been put on hold and will be discussed at Council’s next scheduled meeting, Jan. 10, 2023.
It’s easy to wonder how many lives would be different had Ball lost his bid against an incumbent in 1992. He won by 69 votes, and the rest is local history.
The 146-page report prepared by CNA was presented to City Council at the Dec. 6 meeting.
Interim President Teresa Woodruff strives for positive relationship between the university and city.
Election Day ran smoothly throughout the city, despite long lines of students registering at the last minute to vote.
The annual event helps raise funds for Peace Education Center programming and organizing.
Should the park be used for a farmers’ market pavilion? Have space for a dog park? A performance venue? Find out from ELi what Planning Commissioners and Historic District Commissioners had to say this week.
![New Merritt Road Marijuana Shop Gets Built, Hotel and Other Retail in Limbo [Updated]](https://eastlansinginfo.news/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/High-Society-Merritt-Road1-768x558.jpg)
Update: The Planning Commission has voted unanimously to recommend approval of the developers’ request to sell recreational marijuana alongside medical marijuana at the new High Society shop.
A lively scene downtown, especially at City Clerk sites, indicates high voter turnout in the 2022 Midterm Elections.
Revised plans may be available as soon as this Wednesday, Nov. 9, for the Planning Commission meeting. What are people asking for in terms of changes?
Members of the public attend Nov. 2 meeting to provide input to commissioners and city representatives.
Excitement for the $2 million improvements at Valley Court Park is tempered by concerns about some aspects of the proposal.
East Lansing environmental program updates include artificial intelligence being used to cut down on recycling contamination, urban forestry, grant opportunities and more.
Haven’t voted yet? Let ELi help get you up to speed.
The sentencing follows a guilty plea of tax evasion arising from what the DOJ describes as Chappelle’s near decade-long effort to prevent the IRS from collecting taxes he and his business owed.
Repairs on the railroad crossing on Harrison Road that are set to begin Oct. 17 will mean detours for drivers.
While East Lansing Public Schools has only one unfilled teacher position, custodians and support staff are still a problem.
Plus: ELi brings you a video taken just after the Sept. 11 downtown shooting showing some fleeing the scene while police rush in.
Annual event is expected to last about an hour.
As climate change makes severe weather events more common, East Lansing’s sewer system has been stretched to capacity.
Chris Martin tells ELi he does not currently plan to try a write-in campaign.
A total of 31 bullet casings from three different caliber guns recovered at the scene.
Numerous community members came to denounce Nessel’s decisions regarding the April shooting of a young Black man by ELPD officers at the Lake Lansing Meijer store.