Library staff hopes to earn a sustainability certification that would add to the city’s history of environmental leadership.
“There is no benefit to what they’re trying to do,” a FWS employee told ELi.
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.
A warmer, wetter climate has brought more mosquitoes.
The city is looking to identify all factors contributing to widespread flooding in recent years.
Invasive plants can be found throughout East Lansing, with some species in nearly all of the city’s parks.
The series of events includes a talk with author Danielle Arigoni, followed by a community discussion and a community planning workshop.
Residents who already made the switch to solar energy will be sharing information about their experience.
Currently, the city code doesn’t require multi-family housing complexes built before 2007 to have on-site recycling services.
The sighting was called a “lifer” by one local birder.
BWL claims it is working towards a cleaner portfolio for energy production. Environmentalists question why the company is proposing a fossil fuel-based facility.
The spring can be a great time to get photographs of local wildlife, especially birds.
Andy Gordon will look to craft a healthier urban forest in the city.
Michigan Waterways Stewards are working with local businesses, organizations and volunteers to clean up the Red Cedar River and other Michigan bodies of water.
East Lansing Environmental Specialist Cliff Walls answered questions via email about the city’s recycling program that used artificial intelligence to identify contaminants in recycling bins.
With migrating birds, squirrels fattening up for winter and diverse city parks, this is a good time of year to get outside.
Commissioners request clarification on what impact this will have on EL residents and will advise City Council as they decide whether or not to support the proposal.
In its first meeting after No Mow May, the commission talked about what worked, some challenges and future potential goals.
Ron Lacasse would like to know how someone managed to get an entire Big Wheel down into the sewer system.
The wastewater treatment plant is processing over 4 billion gallons a year…and water rates are going up. Bike lanes are coming to Coolidge and Hagadorn Roads. The Red Cedar Neighborhood will get a new water main. What else can you expect in the coming year?
The proposed city budget for next year would increase spending on trees, continue waste and recycling programs residents have come to expect and look to renewable energy.
City Council is likely to make a decision on the matter on Tuesday, May 9.
No Mow May, recycling, conversation starters and ways to take action are all part of the annual spring event.
What did East Lansing’s City Council decide this week?
Why would anyone stand in the middle of the road to watch the sun set in East Lansing? ELi explains.
Forms are available for those who would like to plant trees in front of their houses.
Both votes passed on a 3-1 split, with a third motion failing. What happens now? Find out from ELi.
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?
East Lansing environmental program updates include artificial intelligence being used to cut down on recycling contamination, urban forestry, grant opportunities and more.
![Abbot Park Renamed Azaadiwag Park, Honoring Cottonwoods and Indigenous Peoples [Updated]](https://eastlansinginfo.news/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Elaine-Hardy-and-Nichole-Biber-1-768x771.jpg)
A multi-ethnic team of women drafted a resolution to explain and effect the change.
The mayor hopes to “really aggravate Indianapolis,” and Council is seeking a legal opinion on conflicts of interest. What else happened this Tuesday night?
As climate change makes severe weather events more common, East Lansing’s sewer system has been stretched to capacity.
In this edition of Ask ELi, we bring you answers on tax assessments, the sewer system, ELPD social workers, and unpaid parking tickets.
The upcoming East Lansing Art Festival features local artwork and artists. Sarah Spohn spoke with artist Sara Pulver to learn more about her work for the festival.
Ten years ago this month, the City approved its Climate Sustainability Plan. This Earth Day, Al Hargrave Jackson takes a look at what the plan has achieved and future plans for sustainability in the City.
In the latest Ask ELi to Investigate, Emily Joan Elliott explores how the marshy environment of East Lansing can affect local homes.
Construction was originally set to begin in 2020, but was delayed due to the pandemic. Clay Oppenhuizen reports for ELi that construction is now set to get going this year.
During a presentation, the City Manager proposed using ARPA funds for three new projects. Council may vote next week to allocate more than $4 million of its ARPA funds. What will the money be spent on?
At its first meeting of 2022, the Commission dealt with three frats, an application for a Special Use Permit for a dispensary to sell recreational marijuana, and discussed plans for a City lot on the Northern Tier and the near-term housing action plan.
Following the winter storm on Feb. 2, 2022, ELi created a survey to gauge how well streets had been cleared after several reader questions. What did we find out?
Andrew is joined by Dr. Warwick, from MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Dr. Warwick has worked with the City on the deer culls — specifically working with the community and learning their tolerances for deer. Listen about that and more!
The City of East Lansing’s deer cull has come to an end, resulting in the removal of 79 deer over the course of four evenings in January, according to a press release from the City.
What safety precautions are being taken for using rifles? What metrics are being used to determine if the cull was successful? We bring you answers to those questions and more.
Some East Lansing residents are interested in keeping livestock, but the City may continue to limit livestock to feathered-friends only.
East Lansing’s City Council approved the use of $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to reimburse property owners for the cost of installing check valves. More information on how to obtain the reimbursement has now been issued by the City.
What happens to the deer that are culled? Have any deer had wasting disease? We answer these questions and more in this Ask ELi Grab Bag!
Andrew and Chuck are joined by Emily Joan Elliott and Alice Dreger to talk about the stories that the ELi reporting team expects to follow in 2022. Give it a listen!
ELi’s mission is to bring East Lansing the news. Here’s a look at what we think we’ll be helping you to know about and understand in context in 2022.
We asked our reporters which stories that they wrote meant the most to them in 2021. They answered, passing along a varied collection of stories for this year in review.
Some East Lansing residents want to see deer removed to stop property destruction and injury risk, while others detest the thought of having their government kill these animals. What do we know, politically and logistically, about this year’s planned cull?
East Lansing’s Public Works Department is going into high gear on the Chesterfield Hills sewer odor problem, and a long-time contractor for the City will review the August 12 Northlawn Avenue flooding disaster. Andrew Graham reports from Council’s meeting.
City Manager George Lahanas provided Council with a line-item American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Draft Plan on Nov. 16. The plan prioritizes parking systems, the fire station, and the Hannah Community Center as some of the first to receive funds, but residents can complete a survey by Dec. 10 to provide feedback on how the City should spend its ARPA funds.
After multiple presentations to the public from the City about water infrastructure, Chuck Grigsby and Andrew Graham talk about the ongoing sanitary and storm sewer debate in the City of East Lansing. Give a listen!
You may know turkey as that bird on your Thanksgiving table, but ELi’s Aron Sousa tells you more about our famous feathered neighbor, including where to take your visiting relatives to see rafters around East Lansing.
On Monday, ELi reported on the stench that residents say they’ve suffered for decades. On Tuesday night, the City Manager announced that now the City is taking immediate action.
“For the amount of money we pay in taxes each year, in comparison to similar houses in other cities, this situation is unacceptable,” wrote one couple to the City of East Lansing, echoing the feelings of their Chesterfield Hills neighbors.
Deer culls have historically been controversial in East Lansing, but the City is planning to remove “at least 100” deer this winter. Council member Dana Watson, who has been against the cull, spoke about deer at this week’s meeting.
Will fabric recycling return to East Lansing? Why is it so dark at Valley Court Park? How can you mitigate the risk of car break-ins? Find out the answers in this Ask ELi Grab Bag!
The new City Council tackled a very hot problem at Tuesday night’s meeting: what to do about the City’s sewer problems. ELi’s Andrew Graham reports.
East Lansing’s City Council is set tonight to discuss the possible use of federal Covid relief dollars to help homeowners prevent basement flooding, but an ELi survey shows that community members have various ideas for how to use these funds.
Residents are still expressing concern over the aftermath of severe flooding in August and are skeptical that massive flooding will not happen again, based on conversations at a flooding town hall. The City will hold a webinar on Nov. 18 to address some concerns.
The MSU Broad Art Lab is a collaborative space that welcomes and features makers, innovators, and lifelong learners. Don’t miss out on their upcycling events or seeing the work of Detroit-based artist Megan Heeres.
In the weeks and months following torrential rains that flooded portions of East Lansing and numerous basements, ELi has had several readers inquire about the ongoing Montgomery Drain Project and its potential future impact in mitigating local flooding. What do we know?
When will the access point to the Northern Tier Trail at Colorado Drive be complete? How does East Lansing handle dog attacks? How can you attend Council member Babock’s flooding town hall tonight?
The City received the first payment of funds in May but has time before funds must be allocated and used. City Manager George Lahanas provided some ideas on how to use the money during a presentation to Council last week. What did he recommend? What did Council think of the draft plan?
The City Manager recommended some Covid relief money be used to help some owners pay for backflow prevention measures. City Council also heard a presentation about the heavy rains on Aug. 12 and subsequent flooding. What did they find out?
When an East Lansing Info reader saw chatter on social media regarding a trash truck causing damage to a neighbor’s trash cart, she wondered how often this happened. Here’s what we found out.
The Human Rights Commission had previously reviewed policing and complaints about policing in East Lansing, but now the new Police Oversight Commission will take over that task. How is the HRC reimagining its place in the community with less on its plate?
On this episode, Managing Editor Emily Joan Elliott speaks to City Desk Reporter Andrew Graham about his recent reporting on flooding, including his investigative reporting and what comes next.
Council member Ron Bacon said he wants an analysis from “someone who isn’t so closely tied to the project.” ELi’s Andrew Graham reports on the tense exchange at last night’s City Council meeting.
On the eastern edge of East Lansing, five homeowners have spent weeks trying to figure out why the Aug. 12 rains flooded their basements with sewage. Weeks later, like most residents, they still haven’t gotten satisfying answers. Andrew Graham reports.
Alice Dreger, Emily Joan Elliott, and Andrew Graham cover some of the most recent Ask ELi’s that they have investigated. Give a listen to learn more about flooding, drains, construction, schools, and more!
“We’re wondering what’s going on, and why this is happening,” said one thirty-year resident of Northlawn Avenue today after the street was hit with extraordinary flooding again.
Alice Dreger and Andrew Graham bring the results from ELi’s survey of voters for City Council elections. What has voters in the City concerned? Give a listen!
What renovations are coming to the East Lansing Public Library? What programs are being offered? What is happening with contract negotiations with non-supervisory workers? Emily Joan Elliott reports.
ELi’s Andrew Graham investigates what happened on Aug. 12 along Northlawn Avenue, and brings information about what you can do to help protect your home and belongings.
On this episode, Alice Dreger and Andrew Graham discuss the aftermath of the heavy rains on Aug. 11-12, and resulting floods. How are the residents who were hardest hit doing? What else did the duo discuss?
Have you noticed the large mural on the Division Street Garage while walking or driving down Albert Ave.? ELi’s Sarah Spohn provides the backstory and inspirations for this artwork.
Was that a warplane overhead? What’s happening with the old QD on Trowbridge? We bring you the answers to that and more!
In 2019, Quality Dairy announced that it would outsource production of its French Onion Dip to another family-owned producer, but promised the recipe would be exactly the same. Since then, some in the community claim the dip tastes different. Can the recipe be exactly the same and still taste different? Managing Editor Emily Joan Elliott set out on a mission to find out the answers.
At first glance, Carla McWherter’s front yard looks like any ordinary front yard, but her garden is intended to strike a careful balance of aesthetics with eco-friendly practices. Amalia Medina reports.
Following the record-setting rain on the night of August 11-12, ELi surveyed readers to try to get a sense of where problems might have been grouped. What did we learn? Alice Dreger and Nathan Andrus report.
ELi is receiving widespread reports of damage by the flooding caused by over 8 inches of rain in just a few hours. Here’s some important information about trash, electrical hazards, and more.
You can help us map out where problems are occurring so that we can do reporting on the East Lansing sewer system and management of it as our climate changes. How can you send us info on your property’s experience?
Why no walk signal across Abbot Road? Could the Woodingham pump station be made to look and smell better? And what’s all that digging at the water plant off Burcham Drive? Ask ELi, and answers you shall receive!
“Tree planting in East Lansing is not keeping up with the tree cutting,” wrote one ELi reader. Is that true? Brooklyn Peppo reports for ELi.
The Commission on the Environment will meet this evening to discuss revisions to the City’s Green Building Policy and concerns expressed by some DDA members, particularly regarding tax incentives, cost, and economic impact. Brooklyn Peppo reports for ELi.
Who will replace Tim McCaffrey as Director of Parks & Rec? What else is going on in Parks & Rec? Emily Joan Elliott reports.
Why won’t the City ask MDOT to lower the speeds on Grand River Ave. and Saginaw St.? Does East Lansing have an anaerobic biodigster? And why are trees being cut behind the high school?
The Islamic Center of East Lansing and University Lutheran Church partnered to install solar panels. What motivated them to do so? How did they mark the occasion?
Oak wilt, spruce decline, and insect pests are challenging our arboreal environment. ELi’s Patty Bonito consulted local arborist Alex Ellis and MSU Extension to bring this report, which includes information about what you can do to help your trees.
Utility bill distress, environmental pollutants, bike lanes, the Michigan Flyer, rent and mortgage support, new ownership for the Landshark, Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. All this and more came up in a dense City Council meeting this week. Find out from ELi what happened.
Why did it take a month for the City of East Lansing to investigate a spill of at least 55 gallons of hydraulic oil, an unknown quantity of which went into a private storm drain? And what now?
Jessica Crawford, an MSU grad student who serves on the Commission on the Environment, organized the survey. What else did the survey say? What changes might residents expect?
What’s the deal with strangely high East Lansing water bills that don’t seem to be explainable by system error?
Improperly disposing of electronics can have negative impacts on the environment for several reasons. So how can you properly dispose of these items?
When are the City Council elections? What’s with the Graduate Hotel pedestrian tunnel? Which vendors are coming to the market this Sunday? Answers to these questions and more.
The Parking Department is floating the idea of charging moped users to park downtown. What’s behind the idea? Alice Dreger reports.
Have you seen the bald eagle on the Northern Tier Trail? Amalia Medina reports on the bald eagle and other raptors that you can spot in the area.
Did workers aim to contain the spill as soon as it happened? What’s happening with the contaminated material collected so far? And what about possible cost increases?
The New Year’s Eve spill turns out to have involved about 55 gallons of hydraulic oil. On Tuesday, Council approved two contracts for the clean-up.
People are wondering why they are seeing flocks of robins in East Lansing yards. We bring the answer.
The City is working on hiring “an emergency abatement contractor to clean the detention pond, storm infrastructure and to perform any necessary remediation to soils” at the private condo complex.
The new exhibit opened at the Broad last Friday. It examines the work of Dr. William J. Beal and addresses global environmental issues. Sarah Spohn brings us the story.
Find out from ELi’s Andrew Graham what’s happening in Ranney Park, next to Marshall Music, and see drone photography from ELi’s Gary Caldwell.
From January 11 to March 1, people should lookout for barricades and notices at park entrances giving altered hours as contracted sharpshooters do their work. ELi’s Andrew Graham has the story from City Council.
Styrofoam, cardboard, and more can be dropped at the City of East Lansing’s recycling center (with masks and physical distancing required).
The Commission also denied two separate applications seeking replace exterior wood with vinyl. Andrew Graham reports.
Following questions from readers about when the deer cull begins, if it hasn’t already, Andrew Graham got back in touch with the City to find out the precise dates.
Chickens aren’t the typical family pet, but they may have more to give your family than you think. ELi’s Heather Brothers gets the coop scoop from Dr. Marguerite Halversen.
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.
Mike Homier, the new City Attorney, explained the Supreme Court coronavirus decision, while Council took actions on tasers, Walgreens, clean energy, Patriarche Park, the fire code, and more.
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.
The cull is expected to occur soon and will be conducted by government-employed sharpshooters working in East Lansing parks.
East Lansing’s recycling center on State Road is back open, and residents can now buy yard waste stickers online. Amalia Medina reports for ELi.
Joe Natoli and Greg Bonito share a garden in the Oakwood neighborhood of East Lansing. There, the friendship grows.
Want to reduce your household carbon footprint? Here’s an easy way.
The Red Cedar River is up over its banks. ELi’s Gary Caldwell brings us photos.
Did a City worker really roll a recycling truck? Is the hybrid truck too expensive to fix? We asked.
East Lansing’s Environmental Services Administrator Cathy DeShambo has some suggestions about what to do while your house is overflowing with recyclables.
An advance request and payment is still required to get large items hauled away. But that’s available, too.
Gotcha says scooters can be helpful during a pandemic. The City replies, “Wash your hands!”
Customers can come back to Van Atta’s starting today, and can call Hammond Farms for delivery. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
City staff are looking into whether East Lansing’s market could follow the style of the Allen neighborhood market in Lansing.
A reader asked if East Lansing’s recycling is being treated as trash during the pandemic. We bring the answer.
Yard waste pick-up counts as “essential.” It also stops the storm drains from getting clogged.
“We’re just stepping back and listening, and hearing the sounds of spring.”
“All that’s been perfected over a billion years is right in your own backyard,” says Peter Carrington, the curator of Beal Garden.
Trail usage is way up as people get out for mental and physical health. So what should we be remembering as we (and our dogs) travel along?
What to do – if anything – about there being no parks in East Lansing named after women or people of color? The debate continues.
The latest in the Little Local Joys series – stories shared by ELi readers and contributors about little things and positive moments that bring us joy and hope during the coronavirus outbreak.
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.
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.