The seasonal sauna park will operate from January through April 2025.
Council hopes the incentive system brings environmentally friendly buildings and affordable units.
District leaders gave an update on the projects being paid for by a $23.5 million bond that voters approved in May.
The city is searching for solutions after it was hit by two “historic” storms over the summer.
The city is looking to identify all factors contributing to widespread flooding in recent years.
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.
Two storms have caused widespread flooding in East Lansing in less than a month.
Residents who already made the switch to solar energy will be sharing information about their experience.
The Transportation Commission unanimously approved recommending the plan be implemented for the stretch of road from Burcham Drive to Grand River Avenue.
Completing the trail along the Red Cedar River was tricky, but worth it, Meridian Township official said.
The proposal calls for altering Hagadorn Road between Grand River and Burcham Drive from four lanes to three.
Grant program is for the needs of low-to-moderate income people and neighborhoods.
DPW interim director confirms city workers had responded to incidents associated with the digging in Glencairn
In other business, employee retention bonuses were unanimously approved, sidewalk repair assessments were stretched out and naming of a city art studio after a woman got support.
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?
ELi’s brings you the story behind this important win for the city.
Company hopes to make travel between cities easier for college students.
A Crown Castle representative interacted directly with members of the CELL citizen group.
McPherson’s resignation adds to a pile of resignations by top East Lansing city administrators.
ELi obtained the grant materials related to the proposed $2.5 million renovation and found some interesting claims made by East Lansing’s former director of planning.
Public expresses mixed views about the road conversion, but transportation commission unanimously approved the project.
City officials say they cannot block installation of the towers because of a state law.
East Lansing and Meridian water authority customers are asked to refrain from high uses of water while main transmission line is repaired.
Valley Court farmers market pavilion and downtown lighting may be partially funded with HUD CDBG monies.
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.
The farmers market will likely get a new pavilion. What about other big changes potentially coming to that part of town?
In this edition of Ask ELi, we bring you answers on tax assessments, the sewer system, ELPD social workers, and unpaid parking tickets.
The City’s specific legal strategy is under wraps due to attorney-client privilege, but ELi’s Andrew Graham explains the franchise fee, the lawsuit, and the recent ruling.
Prices for parking at meters and City-owned ramps and lots may increase this summer. City staff is also calling for Council to consider a hike in fines for parking meter violations. Clay Oppenhuizen and Emily Joan Elliott explain why.
Andrew is joined by ELi’s Founder, Alice Dreger, for a discussion about various projects going on downtown and around town, plus what can be done to boost a downtown. Check it out!
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.
The Albert EL Fresco is set to reopen later this spring, but the City is still looking for someone to provide outdoor seating, shade, and lighting infrastructure for the space. Andrew Graham reports.
![Ask ELi: A Fence on Campus, Basketball Hoops Unlocked, and Construction On Burcham Drive [UPDATED]](https://eastlansinginfo.news/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Schools-on-Burcham-768x429.png)
ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott brings a few pieces of news and a noteworthy PSA about construction on Burcham Drive.
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?
Andrew is joined by Dan Bollman to discuss the state of housing in East Lansing and delve into some of the various ways the City could alter zoning or other laws to, potentially, make housing more affordable and accessible in East Lansing. Listen in!
In the latest discussions about what to do with the Northern Tier regarding planning and housing, East Lansing’s Planning Commission discussed forming a specific committee to study the area and consider what could be done. What might the next steps entail?
A local business that many East Lansing residents see cruising across town recently celebrated its fifteenth anniversary in November 2021. Clay Oppenhuizen reports on the regional growth of the Michigan Flyer.
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?
Robert L. Green and Glencairn Elementary schools are without power and heat, and parents have been asked to call and release their children from school early. Andrew Graham reports on the outage.
After the record snowfall last week, some East Lansing residents are still waiting for their streets to be plowed. Take ELi’s survey on the progress of the snow removal and learn more!
ELPS will remain closed on Thursday. ELPL will not open until 12 p.m. tomorrow.
The athletic field and tennis courts at ELHS will undergo significant renovations this summer, and remaining bond money will be used to create outdoor learning spaces at the elementary schools. Al Hargrave provides a School Board round up.
Some East Lansing residents are interested in keeping livestock, but the City may continue to limit livestock to feathered-friends only.
At Tuesday’s Council meeting, a representative from McAlvey, Merchant & Associates updated Council on the firm’s successes advocating on behalf of the City at the State Capitol, but at least two Council members called for clearer communication between the lobbyists and Council.
Mopeds can’t park at bike racks anymore, as a new East Lansing law restricts their parking. And what about those e-scooters left blocking sidewalks?
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.
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.
What can residents do to prevent their mail from being stolen? And what can residents affected by the Comcast outage do to get a refund for loss of service? We bring the answers in this Ask ELi Grab Bag.
UPDATE: At last night’s meeting, Council supported a motion by Council member George Brookover asking the City Manager to look into using ARPA funds for extra pay for “all unelected part time and full time City employees.”
Yet again, the publicly-owned Evergreen Properties and their possible redevelopment formed the main topic of discussion at the latest meeting of East Lansing’s Downtown Development Authority. What happened? Only ELi brings this news.
Are those Verizon towers in Bailey functioning? What happened to a little statue at the softball complex? And, of course, we bring you a couple of development updates in this Ask ELi Grab Bag!
Andrew and Chuck recap last Saturday’s accident involving a Canadian National train running through some downed power lines and resulting in power outages. Andrew interviews a witness to the event and a Comcast representative.
When thousands of East Lansing residents were going on three days without Comcast service, ELi’s Alice Dreger pushed for answers. Why does ELi believe this is in keeping with our public service mission?
ELi reached Comcast and was able to confirm the train accident was the source of the widespread outage in East Lansing and Meridian Township. A spokesperson says they expect service to be restored today.
A train caught in wires took down a series of electrical poles along Hagadorn Road, leading to “a mess” according to the Ingham County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management. The sign at Hannah Plaza was destroyed as a result. See contributed photos and learn more in this update.
The Transportation Commission provided more details on the upcoming construction to Burcham Drive. When will it start? What will it entail?
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!
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.
The DDA voted in favor of funding more cameras to be used by ELPD, but not before a lively discussion about privacy and how to welcome people downtown.
“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.
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 City of East Lansing has already received half of its $12.2 million in Covid relief funds through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, but how will it spend that money? Fill out our survey to provide your input.
The City of East Lansing is planning to apply for a pair of 2022 Natural Resources Trust Fund grants aimed at funding projects to extend and improve existing portions of the Northern Tier Trail. What exactly will the projects entail?
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?
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.
Are the kindergarten classrooms at Marble smaller or the class sizes bigger? What’s going on with bus routes, bond money, and Burcham Drive? We answer your questions about East Lansing Public Schools in this Ask ELi Grab Bag.
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.
The Transportation Commissions of East Lansing and Meridian Township met together to discuss the proposed reconstruction of the intersection of Lake Lansing Road and Towar Avenue. What might the new intersection look like? How much will it cost? What concerns were voiced?
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.
The Downtown Development Authority purchased the properties in 2009, hoping to sell them for downtown development projects, but over a decade later, the DDA still owns the properties. Alice Dreger shares the long history with Emily Joan Elliott.
ELi catches you up on what’s happening (and not happening) in downtown East Lansing’s real estate redevelopment scene. Check it out!
The relatively high Covid numbers at Glencairn Elementary dominated discussions, but the School Board trustees also discussed how to use remaining bond money, a financial audit, and more. We bring you a round up.
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!
The cost of library renovations could reach $1.5 million by the time the work is complete. The Library Board of Trustees is looking to Council for financial support.
A lawsuit settlement, hair discrimination, food trucks in neighborhoods, controversially-confidential legal opinions, and more at this week’s East Lansing City Council. Catch up with ELi!
A new apartment building and other big changes coming soon to the Valley Court Park area? Learn the latest from ELi’s Alice Dreger.
“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?
The power supply to the lights at the pickleball court was cut. Why? And why won’t there be repairs anytime soon?
While the meeting largely focused on excitement about returning to school on the heels of the district’s unusually intensive summer offerings, a debate emerged during public comment about the district’s work related to equity and social justice. We bring you a round up of the Aug. 23 School Board meeting
Three members of ELi’s government reporting team talk about changes on Council, the dismantling of the Albert EL Fresco, the disappearance of Ordinance 1500, and more. Give a listen!
On Tuesday, Aug. 17, several readers wrote to ELi to ask why three mature honey locust trees in front of ELPL were about to be cut down. What were the readers’ concerns? Why did ELPL move forward with the removal?
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.
In court on Thursday, the City of East Lansing’s attorney argued that the BWL franchise fee is not a tax and customers could opt out of using BWL’s service. Judge Wanda Stokes had questions about that.
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?
The East Lansing Transportation Commission met in person on Monday — marking the start of the return to regular in-person City meetings this month. How did they decide to handle abandoned bikes? What other transportation issues did they tackle?
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!
Aaron Stephens sits down with ELi’s Publisher Alice Dreger and reporter Jack Timothy Harrison after announcing his resignation, effective Aug. 11. Listen to the trio reflect back on his time as mayor.
What’s with those cell phone towers popping up in residential neighborhoods, dirty water coming from faucets in the Glencairn neighborhood, and a closed bike rack near the downtown Marriott? We answer all this plus one bonus-round question!
“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.
Big policing issues, parking for the Graduate Hotel, lawsuits involving the City of East Lansing, a new outdoor design for Harper’s – all this and MUCH more coming to Council this week. ELi tells you what’s on the agenda…and what’s missing.
Emily Joan Elliott and Alice Dreger talk to Brian Wassom about freedom of the press. Elliott and Dreger then discuss how Dreger used the Freedom of Information Act to report on a major gas leak that occurred near her home.
“As crappy as it sounds, forgiveness and compliance” is the way to go in cases of zoning violations like this one, said Mayor Aaron Stephens. What did other Council members have to say? Jack Harrison reports for ELi.
ELi’s Publisher and Executive Director Alice Dreger and Managing Editor Emily Joan Elliott discuss complaints made to East Lansing’s City Council about noise created by cars and motorcycles. Elliott also interviews ELPD’s Neighborhood Resource Specialist Tonya Williams.
Hear the 911 call and learn what went wrong and right when a major gas leak erupted in a residential East Lansing neighborhood on June 3. Are the safety systems working?
Seven million to the pensions. Water shut-offs starting soon. City lawsuit information might be disclosed to the public again. What else did we see at City Council this week?
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.
In this week’s Ask ELi grab bag, we answer four sets of reader questions! Did we pick yours?
A lot happened at this week’s four-hour City Council meeting. ELi’s Jack Timothy Harrison brings you up to speed with a 5-minute read!
Ingham County Road Department is planning a new design for the intersection where Lake Lansing Road meets Towar Avenue, but local transportation advocates are voicing concerns. What do they have to say?
A contractor was laying cable for Zayo when a gas line was ruptured. The leak was significant, with the scent added to the gas easily detectable a block away. ELi’s Alice Dreger reports.
Who will replace Tim McCaffrey as Director of Parks & Rec? What else is going on in Parks & Rec? Emily Joan Elliott reports.
The event will take place on May 19 at 6:30 pm, heading from Wells Hall on campus to the Capitol in Lansing. The event is open to all riders.
What has CATA been doing to respond to the financial and public health challenges of Covid-19? Find out in this special report from ELi.
ELi answers readers’ questions about the ramped path that disappeared from Valley Court Park and the SUVs parked at MSU near Mt. Hope Rd. Plus, we explain what’s about to happen to Abbot Rd.
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?
We asked MSU Vice President Vennie Gore about whether MSU’s decision is driven by finances, how on- and off-campus students might benefit, and what to expect in terms of enrollment post-Covid.
Mayor Aaron Stephens supported the site plan, saying “It offers a different type [of housing] within the city and definitely housing diversity is something we want.”
Could revolving funds be used to create a win-win situation for landlords and homeowners in near-university neighborhoods like Chesterfield Hills?
What kinds of things does this relatively new City Council want to see funded with HUD funds in the near future?
Covid-19 has been present in East Lansing for over a year. How has it changed our community? Where does our community stand now in terms of the virus?
After announcing that second-year students will be required to live on-campus, MSU is upgrading its infrastructure and making other changes. What will this entail?
Did the deer cull result in meat being delivered to local food banks? What’s up with parking at Bailey Park? What will happen with the Biggby lot on Grand River Ave? We bring some updates.
While the City Manager has said he sees “great news” in the big financial picture, a close look at the numbers suggests there is a great deal of uncertainty ahead. The City’s Finance Director says the income tax gives her heartburn in terms of unpredictability.
If the City loses this class action suit, the implications for its finances could be huge. And East Lansing BWL customers could be refunded the franchise fees they’ve paid since 2017.
Aislinn Callahan-Brandt tells ELi the problem is twofold: drivers aren’t used to seeing kids, and kids aren’t used to walking or biking to school. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reports.
We answer a reader’s question about a teeth-rattling section of the Lansing River Trail where it enters East Lansing, and ask Ingham County Commissioner Mark Grebner why he has the reputation of being a bit grouchy about the county trails millage.
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 East Lansing Public Library will allow building entry for up to one hour to patrons starting Mar. 1. Library Director Kristin Shelley hopes the reopening will help those who rely on the library to file taxes and apply for benefits.
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.
The library is expecting to spend about $800,000 to do some “desperately needed” maintenance on various facilities. Why is this happening just a few years after $1.5M in renovations?
Why is there no walk sign across Abbot Road at that street’s southwest corner with Albert Avenue – where the apartments’ entrance for The Abbot is located? Alice Dreger explains.
The changes come as part of improvements to White Park and the Northern Tier Trail and have pedestrian safety in mind. Andrew Graham provides the details.
The City and school district held several important meetings this week. The ELi team brings you the updates.
Here’s a comprehensive timeline of East Lansing’s Center City District redevelopment, beginning with the press conference where it was announced.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Several factors contribute to the difference in costs, but one main factor is the differing ages of infrastructure. Andrew Graham explains further.
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.
How does ELi cover taxes and finances in East Lansing? Publisher Alice Dreger explains.
A long-planned project will improve sewer infrastructure and change the amount of parking in the area, leaving some displeased. Alice Dreger reports.
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.
The trio of Alice Dreger, Emily Joan Elliott and Andrew Graham break down the latest happenings in East Lansing. Read on to listen.
A stacked City Council agenda, another meeting of the Police Oversight Study Committee, School Board, and more. Alice Dreger reports.
An ELi reader wanted to know what the City is doing about potential lead contamination in service lines. Andrew Graham brings answers.
The group is going to see a proposed resolution in November after getting a presentation on coal tar sealants from EGLE’s Christie Alwin.
Planning Commission will likely vote on a recommendation for the MSUFCU proposal tonight. ELi brings you the details with images and maps.
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.
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.
ELi brings you the latest news on this project, including about the design, timing, and environmental contamination at the site.
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.
What’s happening with Newman Lofts, police oversight, big downtown construction, and more? ELi brings you up to speed.
Gotcha says scooters can be helpful during a pandemic. The City replies, “Wash your hands!”
Schools of choice numbers, graduation cancelled, ELHS ranking, elementary school construction delays, and much more in our School Board report.
The City can undertake the work in spite of the lockdown because it has designated it “essential.” What’s involved?
With work halted under the governor’s orders, it’s unclear what East Lansing’s elementary schools’ populations will be facing next year.
Tenants for The Abbot signed leases expecting a summer move-in. The developer thinks work should be allowed to continue.
City Council met today to extend East Lansing’s State of Emergency. ELi’s Alice Dreger donned a mask to attend and report for you what happened.
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.
Mayor Ruth Beier has declared a state of emergency in East Lansing. We tell you in practical terms what that means.
Michigan Flyer will suspend its service to DTW for a month starting Monday, March 16. The decision will alter the plans of MSU students who use airplane travel to get home. Emily Joan Elliott reports.
Superintendent Dori Leyko explains the latest delay in the completion of building projects at both Donley and Glencairn elementary schools.