We explain what’s happening at two spots on Burcham Drive and two spots on Grand River Avenue in East Lansing in our latest “Ask ELi to Investigate” column.
Development
What’s Happening in East Lansing? MSUFCU’s Downtown Project Is Still Stalled.
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ELi gives you a two-minute rundown on what to expect in terms of East Lansing government decisions this week.
General News
What Will Be the Big East Lansing Stories of 2021?
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Our staff compiles the top stories we expect to cover in 2021. But we can never know all that will happen — like, a pandemic — and that’s why we need your financial support.
Arts & Cultures
The Top Ten East Lansing Stories of 2020
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What were the biggest stories in East Lansing for 2020? ELi’s Publisher and Managing Editor bring you the top 10 list.
Development
UPDATED: Unusual Public Hearing Tonight Centers on Lower-Income Housing Funds’ Usage
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The City’s use of CDBG funds has been controversial, which might explain holding a public hearing disassociated with any regular body’s meeting and sandwiched between Christmas and New Year’s.
Your ELi
The Ten Stories That Meant the Most to Your ELi Reporters in 2020
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From ELHS closing due to Covid-19, to volunteers sewing masks to donate, to the Harbor Bay dealings, our reporters highlight stories they enjoyed bringing you in 2020. At this page, you can click on “play” buttons to hear individual recordings of the articles read by their own reporters!
Development
Architect Daniel Bollman Talks Form-Based Code on The ‘Insider’
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Bollman, the Chair of East Lansing’s Planning Commission, goes deep with Alice Dreger on the ‘Shaping the Avenue’ plan and what form-based code could mean. Listen on.
Development
A Lot of East Lansing City News You Might Want to Know
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Quick hits on the various stories Alice Dreger has been keeping tabs on, from the Center City District bonds to a mysterious public hearing. Read on.
Development
Catch Up on What’s Going On With the Latest ‘East Lansing Insider’
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Andrew Graham and Emily Joan Elliott are joined by ELi reporter Heather Brothers to discuss the work of the Study Committee on an Independent Police Oversight Commission.
Development
City Council Unanimously Gives TechSmith Requested Tax Abatement
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The abatement will cost a little more than $200,000 over the course of 10 years — the maximum allowed period. Andrew Graham reports.
Development
Planning Commission is Reviewing New ‘Shaping the Avenue’ Draft, a Plan with Potentially Huge Implications
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Planning Commission is currently reviewing the latest draft of a plan that would create a new zoning district, with a form-based code, called the Avenue Form District. Andrew Graham explains.
Arts & Cultures
School Board to Vote on Reopening Plan, and Council on Corporate Tax Exemptions
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Along with School Board and City Council, there are meetings of Planning Commission, Arts Commission, Downtown Development Authority and Police Study Committee. Andrew Graham unpacks it.
Center City District
Episode 8 and A Special Edition of The ‘East Lansing Insider’ Are Now Live
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The team at ELi brings you the regular weekly pod and a special edition from Alice Dreger and Emily Joan Elliott on the refinancing of the Center City District bonds. Listen on.
Center City District
Who Really Benefited from the Center City Bonds’ Refinancing?
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Spoiler alert: the developers benefited. And now, with yet another of the deal’s financial protections for the City seeming to fall away, former mayor Mark Meadows is saying that “injunctive relief should be sought.”
Ask ELi to Investigate
Ask ELi: Will a Cell Tower Be Built Near Kedzie Street?
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An ELi reader shared a legal notice indicating that a cell tower is proposed to be built on the south end of the Bailey Neighborhood. So what would be going where, exactly? Andrew Graham finds out.
Development
Episode 7 of the ‘Insider’ is Live
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Andrew Graham, Alice Dreger and Emily Joan Elliott talk shop and decompress while discussing a whirlwind few days in East Lansing.
Development
MSU Will Require Sophomores to Live On-Campus Starting in 2022
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The move, motivated by academic and financial concerns, is likely to have a major impact on the economy of East Lansing.
Center City District
East Lansing BRA Advised to Refinance Bonds to Avoid “Considerable Headline and Reputational Risk”
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Who is the investor for the refinancing bonds? Mark Bell’s father. Again. And any chance of saving that $6 million in taxes appears to be evaporating.
Development
The Bond Mystery Continues. What DO We Know Is Happening This Week in City Government?
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Expect public discussions and decisions on pensions, policing, a radically new zoning code, and Georgio’s Pizza’s lease — but probably not on those controversial bonds.
Center City District
We Still Don’t Know What’s Happening With The Center City Bonds
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One week away from a $2.4 million shortfall for the payment due to the bondholder, many questions remain unanswered. Not least, the $6 million question. ELi’s Alice Dreger reports.
Development
Big Infrastructure Project Will Change Park District Area – and Peoples Church Isn’t Pleased
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A long-planned project will improve sewer infrastructure and change the amount of parking in the area, leaving some displeased. Alice Dreger reports.
Development
TechSmith Tax Exemption Request Heard, While Parking System Is Bleeding Money
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During a discussion-only meeting, Council members seemed open to the idea of a tax exemption for TechSmith and briefly workshopped parking solutions, among other things. Andrew Graham reports.
Arts & Cultures
Racism and Public Health, Falling Revenues, and More Coming to City Meetings This Week
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Want to weigh in on cultural arts grants, a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis, money problems in Parks & Rec and in the parking system, and traffic on Highland Ave.? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott tells you which East Lansing City meetings will cover what this week.
Development
UPDATE: Wrench Thrown Into MSUFCU’s Downtown Office Building Plan
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The Dublin Square property owners are warning MSUFCU to stay off their property during construction that involves building all the way to the property line. What could this mean for the future of the proposed office building?
Development
Council Asked to Consider Tax Exemption for TechSmith
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TechSmith is considering building its new headquarters at Spartan Village and is calling on Council for a personal property tax exemption. Alice Dreger explains what this means.
Center City District
Babcock Questions Center City District Bond Refinancing, Gets Some Interesting Answers
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Tuesday night’s Council meeting confirmed a lot of what ELi has been reporting about the Center City District bonds. What did we learn?
Development
Many Big Issues Coming Before East Lansing’s Elected and Appointed Officials
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A stacked City Council agenda, another meeting of the Police Oversight Study Committee, School Board, and more. Alice Dreger reports.
General News
A Deep Dive on Center City District in Latest ‘East Lansing Insider’
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ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott, Alice Dreger and Andrew Graham break down what happened over the weekend and bring an in-depth feature on the Center City District bonds disputes.
Center City District
CORRECTION: $6M Bond Dispute Will NOT Get a Fresh Pair of Legal Eyes
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A new and scorching message from Mark Meadows and a response from Miller Canfield to his claims: the latest in the Center City District bond scene.
General News
A Brief News Update and Looking Ahead at Next Week
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ELi is following the happenings on game day and getting you prepped for the next week of meetings in ELPS and City of East Lansing government. Andrew Graham brings you up to speed.
Center City District
New City Attorney Asked to Look at $6M Question of the Center City District Bonds
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A new review by ELi of prior meetings on the subject finds yet more evidence that this matter won’t be simple to sort out. See the key video clips now.
Development
UPDATE: DDA Follows Council’s OK for 95-Day Extension of Exclusive Redevelopment Contract
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What’s going on with the Evergreen Ave. properties? ELi’s Alice Dreger brings you an update.
Development
What’s on the Agenda In East Lansing Next Week?
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Several bodies, including City Council, the Downtown Development Authority, and the Commission on the Environment, meet next week. Andrew Graham takes you through the agendas.
Development
Explore Vacant Commercial Properties in Downtown East Lansing
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Check out our interactive map of downtown commercial properties in downtown East Lansing, and read our analysis of the information provided by City staff.
Development
The Original Biggby Is Being Demolished
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The building has been described as “bold architecture” and previously housed an Arby’s. In a few weeks, it will be gone.
Center City District
Investors Interested in $29M East Lansing Bond Offer Must RSVP Fast
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Experts are describing the Center City District bonds as “hairy” and having “sharp edges.” What’s so weird about them? Alice Dreger unpacks it for you.
Development
Council Recap: City Attorney Says Tuesday’s Meeting is Fine
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City Attorney Mike Homier explained that Tuesday’s meeting could proceed despite recent actions by the State Supreme Court. See what he said and what Council did on Tuesday.
Development
Documents Show Harbor Bay’s Persistent Efforts to Change Deal
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A Freedom of Information Act request from ELi yielded a cache of informative documents regarding the Center City District and Newman Lofts. Andrew Graham unpacks them.
Development
Big Week of Meetings Coming for East Lansing
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ELi’s Alice Dreger gives you a fast rundown of what’s coming in public meetings in East Lansing this week. Check it out.
Center City District
East Lansing Bond Default? Not If Mark Bell Pays His Father $2.4M, As Required
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Why is East Lansing’s government poised to take on as much as $4.4M in debt when it doesn’t have to? The execution of the Center City District deal continues to baffle even experts.
Center City District
As Default (Allegedly) Looms, the Center City District Bond Now Involves a Myriad of Disputes
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Now debates over the Center City Bond are heating up, as staff say the BRA is in danger of default, and Mark Meadows says it’s the developers who owe the shortfall, not the public.
Center City District
Meadows: Harbor Bay Started Asking for Age-Restriction Elimination Over a Year Ago
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Steve Willobee came asking for accommodation long before Covid-19, says former mayor Mark Meadows. Now the City has issued violation notices to Harbor Bay, requiring the tenants of the four illegal rentals be moved out.
Development
Downtown MSUFCU Project Approved Unanimously
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Enthusiasm for the project is high, even as Council members expressed concerns about some elements of the design and about what more construction could mean for downtown businesses.
Government
Big Governmental Decisions Coming in East Lansing
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Contract through 2024 for the City Manager? Pave over more of Sharp Park for bike parking? Reduce car lanes further on Abbot? ELi’s Alice Dreger tells you what’s up this week and how you can weigh in.
Development
MSUFCU’s Downtown Office Proposal Coming to Council for Decision
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The project has generated excitement, but a long-time Planning Commissioner tells ELi, “I’m tremendously disappointed that my Credit Union is taking shortcuts on this project, rather than going for a truly first-class presence downtown.” What are his concerns?
Center City District
Council Members Stunned to Learn Harbor Bay Is Illegally Renting to Non-Seniors at Newman Lofts
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Mark Bell and Steve Willobee confirmed to Council on Tuesday night that they have rented four units to people under the 55+ age restriction. This violates local law, the development agreement made with Council, and the building’s permit.
Development
Newman Lofts’ Tenants to City Council: Please Deny Harbor Bay’s Request
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“They need to abide by the terms of this agreement,” twenty-two tenants tell City Council about the Center City developers. Popular opinion appears aligned with the tenants.
COVID-19
More Small Business Relief Now Available in East Lansing
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East Lansing businesses with low-income employees can now apply to receive up to $10,000 in grant assistance.
Development
As Newman Lofts Controversy Continues, We Show You What Was Said in 2017
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In 2017, the developers were confident they had a viable project. Now they say they need Council’s help. Andrew Graham reports for ELi.
Development
ELi Board of Directors Responds to Harbor Bay’s “Ethics Complaint”
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“We will continue to operate under the conviction that extraordinary actors in our city require extraordinary scrutiny. Especially when they are seeking the taxpayers’ money.”
Development
Center City Developers Threaten Legal Action If They Don’t Get Their Way; Also Now Spooking Elderly Tenants
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“I’ve heard the complaints from Harbor Bay,” Council member Lisa Babcock tells ELi. “It looks like they’re having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.”
Obituaries
East Lansing Loses a Giant of Redevelopment: David Krause
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Those who knew David Krause remember him not only for his many significant three-dimensional contributions, but also for his constant work boosting East Lansing and its town-gown connections.
Ask ELi to Investigate
Ask ELi: Will The Abbot Be Open On Time? UPDATED
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The Abbot has received clearance to open, and move-in will start tomorrow.
Development
Amid Much Talk of Racial Justice, Council Approves Three Recreational Marijuana Shops in East Lansing
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Following unanimous votes by the new Council, adults 21 and up will be able to buy marijuana for non-medical use at three East Lansing locations. What happened with “social equity”?
Development
Surprising 6-1 Split Vote on MSUFCU Project at Planning Commission
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“We are hearing over and over about how tight the site is,” Planning Commissioner Chris Wolf said before voting against the proposal. “What I’m getting from that is that the building is too large for the site.” The rest of the commission supported it.
Development
MSU Credit Union Proposal for Downtown Reviewed by Planning Commission
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Planning Commission will likely vote on a recommendation for the MSUFCU proposal tonight. ELi brings you the details with images and maps.
Development
Developer Wants 450 Days More for Evergreen Properties Talks . . . And Wants TIF
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River Caddis Development has put together a draft agreement that would shift yet more of The CITADEL project costs onto the public ledger. For now, East Lansing’s DDA has agreed to more talks.
Center City District
BRA Votes to Rescind Center City Bond Resolution
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East Lansing’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority learned a lot more this week about the $25M existing bond and voted to get a financial advisor before committing to a refinancing proposal.
Development
BRA Will Meet Tomorrow to Re-Do Bond, as Developer Pleads for Understanding
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A special meeting of the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has been called to deal with major questions about what the City really owes the developer in taxes on the Center City District deal.
Development
eBay-Related Marijuana Project Appears Stalled, But Three Others Are Moving
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At Planning Commission, the eBay auction winners asked for more time on their approvals, and owners of three already-built locations asked for permission to sell recreational marijuana. What happened?
Center City District
Last Week’s Center City Bond Vote Was Based on the Wrong Numbers; They’re Off by $6 Million
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Is East Lansing’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) about to accidentally issue over $2 million in essentially worthless bonds?
Center City District
BRA Approves Bond Up to $33.5M, Interest Rate Up to 8%, with $1M More for the Developers
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The developer came well armed with representatives, but the City went in with no financial advisor to this deal. Its usual advisor is actually being paid with public money to represent the developers.
Development
Over Neighbors’ Objections, Planning Commission Unanimously Supports Strip Mall Sunday Hours
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Coolidge Court is the only strip mall in the City that is prohibited from having businesses open on Sundays, a restriction the developer agreed to in 1986. Now Council will take up the matter.
Center City District
East Lansing May Borrow $33 Million to Pay a $25 Million Debt. Who’s Getting that $8 Million?
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The Bell family of developers is back. What new Center City District public financing deal will be made with them this time? ELi’s Alice Dreger reports what we know.
Development
Recreational Marijuana Sales May Come Soon to East Lansing. But What About Social Equity?
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ELi’s Alice Dreger explains how Big Marijuana came to dominate East Lansing’s business scene and why some think it’s high time to pursue “Social Equity.”
Development
MSUFCU Submits Plans for Downtown Office Tower – Including One Huge Brick Wall
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ELi’s Alice Dreger and Chris Root tell you what stands out in the submitted plans and what comes next in the review process.
Development
Businesses Opening and Closing Along East Lansing’s Main Corridor
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What’s closed, what’s opening, what’s happening along East Lansing’s main strip? The latest from ELi.
Development
Planning Commission Hoping for Compromise on Sunday Hours at Coolidge Court
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Ever wondered why the shops in Coolidge Court aren’t open on Sundays? That restriction dates back to 1986, and now the developer-owner wants it removed. Many neighbors aren’t happy.
Development
With the Public Ramps Bleeding Money, City Eliminates Free 2-Hour Parking Downtown
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Free parking ends June 30. Georgio’s has asked the City for rent forgiveness, but the parking system can’t afford it. The finances look bad.
Development
Gas Leak Halts Construction at The Abbot, Closes Streets
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Consumers Energy is on the scene working to fix the problem. Roads and the picnic area are expected to be closed the rest of the day.
Development
East Lansing Development Updates (Spoiler Alert: The Abbot Opens Late August)
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News on The Abbot, The Graduate, affordable housing, Coleman Road, the new elementary schools, MSUFCU’s downtown project, and marijuana sales locations. We also tell you where in East Lansing the state’s wetland protection agency plans a new office building that would disturb a wetland.
Development
East Lansing’s Downtown Development Authority Votes for Independent Counsel
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The DDA voted unanimously to seek expert independent legal counsel. The most immediate need is representation in any deal made over the Evergreen properties. Andrew Graham reports for ELi.
Development
In Change of Plans, The CITADEL Project Makes the Parking the City’s Problem
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Is big new office space viable? What tax incentives will the developers want? And what does the new “stakeholders” team think of it all?
Development
East Lansing’s Planning Commission Reconvened after Three Months – So What Happened?
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The commission discussed redevelopment along Coolidge and West Roads, whether DTN should be allowed to use part of the first floor of “300 Grand” for a private fitness room, and more.
Arts & Cultures
DDA Debates How to Balance Safety with Downtown Business Revival
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The DDA supported the idea of live entertainment downtown geared towards families with kids. They also discussed the issue of noise coming from some bars.
Development
East Lansing Real Estate Developer Scott Chappelle Indicted for Tax and Bank Fraud
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For years, citizen watchdogs warned the City of East Lansing not to continue partnering with Chappelle. If convicted on the bank fraud charge, he faces up to 30 years in prison.
Development
Outdoor Dining in East Lansing Next Week? At Least in Some Places.
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The filing of Chapter 11 bankruptcy by HopCat’s parent company speaks to the level of distress in the bar and restaurant industry. The City of East Lansing is trying to help out.
Development
Here’s An Update on the MSUFCU Downtown Office Tower Plan
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ELi brings you the latest news on this project, including about the design, timing, and environmental contamination at the site.
COVID-19
Barrio Tacos May Open Soon, But Jolly Pumpkin Not Until Fall
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A rep for Barrio’s says that restaurant will reopen if Albert Ave. is closed off for outside take-out dining. But Jolly Pumpkin won’t open before Labor Day.
COVID-19
East Lansing’s Housing Study Never Did Start, and Now the Plan Is On Hold
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Housing Administrator Annette Irwin told a city commission last night that all bets are off in terms of when we might see that long-awaited housing study.
Arts & Cultures
Greatly Expanded Outdoor Dining and Free Parking Aimed at Luring People to Downtown East Lansing
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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.
COVID-19
DDA Releases 57 Relief Grants to Businesses, Not Without Criticism and Debate
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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.
Development
Now a “Stakeholders Committee” Will Work with Developers on Evergreen Properties
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Who will work with the developers to try to hammer out a deal this time? And why did the vote split 5-4?
Development
What’s Happening with That Thing in East Lansing?
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What’s happening with Newman Lofts, police oversight, big downtown construction, and more? ELi brings you up to speed.
Government
East Lansing Business Relief Program to Provide Aid by Third Week in May
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How did the Downtown Development Authority ultimately decide to judge applications for one hundred grants of $2,500 each?
Ask ELi to Investigate
Why Pay LEAP $10K to Administer East Lansing’s Small Business Grants?
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The DDA will meet Thursday to decide on criteria for $250K in grants to local businesses. We explain what’s been decided so far.
Development
DDA Signs Exclusive Agreement with River Caddis on Evergreen Properties
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The mayor doesn’t want to be led with an offer of an office building and told later the developers want to construct towering student housing.
COVID-19
MSUFCU Going Ahead with Downtown Project, But City Pauses Housing Study
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The credit union is going ahead. But the City’s Planning Director says they’ve put the housing study on hold. Why?
Development
City Staff Recommends Another Exclusive Development Agreement on the Evergreen Properties
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With the only active proposal for the DDA’s properties, River Caddis Development wants an exclusive agreement. But do they have a viable concept?
Development
City Council Firmly Opposed to Developers’ Ask on Newman Lofts
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East Lansing’s Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem are willing to consider converting the senior housing to some other uses.
Development
Center City Developers Want to Convert Senior Housing to Allow Student Rentals
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Many predicted this would happen, but few expected it so soon. What now?
Development
Harrison Road Project Reducing Four Car Lanes to Three, Adding Bike Lanes
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The City can undertake the work in spite of the lockdown because it has designated it “essential.” What’s involved?
COVID-19
Will the New Whitehills and Pinecrest Schools Be Ready By Fall?
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With work halted under the governor’s orders, it’s unclear what East Lansing’s elementary schools’ populations will be facing next year.
COVID-19
Federal Government Provides City of East Lansing $289K in Emergency Funds
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Emergency federal legislation means the City of East Lansing will soon receive almost $300K in funding. What can it be used for?
COVID-19
Developer of Halted East Lansing Project Is Concerned
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Tenants for The Abbot signed leases expecting a summer move-in. The developer thinks work should be allowed to continue.
COVID-19
Eviction and Foreclosure Relief Available; Experts Recommend Communicating Needs
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Various groups in this region, including the Capital Area Housing Partnership, are working to help people avoid eviction, foreclosure, and homelessness.
COVID-19
Pandemic Stalls Construction – But The Abbot Lands a Retail Tenant
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The crane is no longer moving at The Abbot. But there’s some good news from the project. ELi’s Alice Dreger reports.
Development
The Slow Movement Toward Marijuana Sales in East Lansing
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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.
COVID-19
Downtown, Campbell’s Adjusts Daily During Extraordinary Time for Grocers
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In downtown East Lansing, Campbell’s Market Basket is keeping its shelves stocked with groceries. ELi’s Noa Kuszai files this report.
Development
Burcham Solar Park Blooming Soon
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The second phase of the renewable energy project involves planting native perennial grasses and flowers. This should reduce maintenance and benefit pollinators. ELi’s Patty Bonito provides an update.
COVID-19
Owner of SBS Wants the City of East Lansing to Give Financial Aid to Small Businesses
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Greg Ballein, owner of East Lansing’s Student Book Store (SBS), has closed the store for COVID-19. He tells Eli’s Noa Kuszai why he thinks the City should be giving small businesses financial assistance.
Development
And Then There Was One: Convexity Withdraws Its Proposal for the Evergreen Properties
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With one developer pulling out, leaving only one left, this isn’t what East Lansing’s DDA had in mind when it sent out a call to developers about the Evergreen properties.
Development
East Lansing Bar and Restaurant Owners Now Making Tough Choices
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Even before Ingham County Health issued a new order, some East Lansing bars and restaurants were moving to help “flatten the curve.” All face grave economic uncertainty.