Commissioners were split on a vote to recommend the proposal.
Two of the projects earned the recommendation of the Planning Commission and will now seek approval from City Council.
Last May, council put a moratorium on business license fees, asking staff to come up with a fee structure that is more fair.
The Folk Festival Study Committee has provided an early glimpse at what a 2025 festival may look like.
Council opted to not publicly discuss the Michigan Supreme Court ruling against the city, instead talking about the suit in closed-session.
The recently opened restaurant hopes to not just be a sports bar with a kitchen, but to serve as a favorite location for foodies.
Cooking classes will be offered to aspiring chefs at various skill levels.
Handie opened this fall in downtown East Lansing. Sunday, Nov. 24 the fast-casual Nigerian restaurant will host an African Farmers Market from noon to 4 p.m.
One local business owner is trying to get a state law changed that doesn’t allow dogs on restaurant patios.
New concert venues downtown are providing opportunities for local musicians.
Early bird tickets can be purchased through Friday. Attendance numbers are capped, so organizers recommend purchasing ahead.
“I’m an expert in medicine, but I’m very passionate about caffeine,” says Dr. Ahmed Sufyan, owner of Moka & Co.
The decision to allot $250,000 to hire a director in 2025 followed two strategic planning sessions. Details for the position still need to be ironed out.
Here are the stories on the reporting and editorial team’s radar in the new year.
The event will be rescheduled in the future.
The vice president of ACD has been working with downtown business owners and neighborhood groups to revamp the project.
The Downtown Management Board heard crime statistics from ELPD Deputy Chief Chad Pride and about the Advent House Ministries homelessness outreach program.
Two Michigan State University students partnered to open the business that features Michigan-made hot dogs and other Michigan products.
The shop on M.A.C. Avenue has been in business since 1956 and continues to have loyal clientele from around the country and world.
The loss of surface parking is the chief objection of critics. But the owners of the land say the lot is going to be redeveloped one way or another.
Despite the challenges of East Lansing during the pandemic and post-pandemic. Risky Studios and Campbell’s Market Basket are growing endeavors.
“Parking is everything,” said one local business owner in objection to the plan. But the developer insisted the privately-owned parking lot parcel is “going away” regardless of whether his project is approved.
There’s no topic quite so contentious as parking downtown, as became evident at Thursday’s DDA meeting.
The downtown EL coffee shop will move to a new Trowbridge Road location after its lease expires in November.
Long-anticipated opening of the Abbot Road branch was celebrated during a July 21 event featuring music, local foods, and speakers from the credit union, university, city and more.
June as Pride Month and Juneteenth as a holiday are now formally recognized in the City of East Lansing.
River Caddis Development’s exclusive deal is facing expiration on July 17; the DDA will ponder the new “collaborative approach” for the next 30 days.
Established in 1973, the restaurant is known as a place to build memories and enjoy good food and a unique atmosphere.
The annual drive, Movers for Moms, is dedicated to collecting necessities for mothers in need.
The staff at Blue Owl Coffee contacted ELPD after numerous high-stress encounters with the man.
New downtown EL business will allow creative duo to share their artistic skills.
East Lansing’s City Council was busy this week. Find out from ELi what happened.
Owners hope the speakeasy-themed restaurant becomes a dining destination.
So many options!
![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.
Andrew Graham sits down with Emily Joan Elliott to talk about the imminent return of the Albert EL Fresco. Give a listen!
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!
Meecah, a singer, dancer, and actress who is currently part of the Hamilton cast, will perform at Blue Owl on Monday, April 4. Sarah Spohn reports on that and Blue Owl’s Mic Drop series.
The Graduate Rock Bar opened up last July, and to some, the rooftop bar is a hidden gem. Sarah Spohn reports on the location and an exciting upcoming event.
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.
Looking for something to do this evening or any Thursday? Check out the new comedy series “Beggars Can’t Be Choosers” at Beggar’s Banquet from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The MSU Broad Art Lab’s collaborative space that once welcomed makers, innovators, and lifelong learners, has shut its doors. Sarah Spohn reports.
One of the proposed locations for a development of affordable housing geared toward creatives is Valley Court Park. Emily Joan Elliott digs in to what else is in the feasibility report and what we can learn.
Alicia and Joshua Southern, owners of Risky Studios, share what motivated them to open a creative, co-working, multimedia production studio, featuring 775-square-feet of equipment rentals for all types of dreamers, doers, and thinkers.
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.
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.
How do a group of downtown East Lansing liquor license holders work to promote safe, responsible fun? Andrew talks to two EL bar and restaurant owners about the RHC and what it does. Listen in!
The official dates for EL Fresco have not be set, but Council voted to approve the closure of two lanes on Albert Street from Apr. 27 to Sept. 11, despite Council member Brookover voicing concerns about the project benefiting some local businesses and not others, among other things.
When one thinks local business, 7-Eleven doesn’t readily come to mind. This week, ELi’s Andrew Graham hopes to change that thinking with an interview with Ali Haider, who has owned and operated the downtown 7-Eleven for more than five years. Listen in!
What’s been the result of marijuana retail sale regulation in the City of East Lansing? ELi’s Andrew Graham reviews the scene and tells you what’s coming.
On this episode, Andrew and Chuck are joined by Emily Joan Elliott to delve into the current state of the pandemic. Give a listen!
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.
Do you need to purchase a last minute holiday gift? Make sure to check out the online offerings from Hooked, a new bookstore and cafe coming to our area. Sarah Spohn reports on the new addition.
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.
Kick off the arrival of the holiday season and wintry weather with Green Friday and Winter Glow. Sarah Spohn brings the details on the two events this weekend.
Do you want to make sure your gifts arrive on time? Do you like having a vibrant downtown? Do you want to support your neighbors? ELi’s Sarah Spohn has some advice this Black Friday: Spend locally!
The newest addition to Grand River Avenue is D.P. Dough, a restaurant chain that primarily sells calzones ranging from classic choices to food with a flavor of East Lansing, like the Sparty Zone calzone. Amalia Medina reports.
Singer-songwriter, educator Reggie Harris will perform this Friday at Edgewood United Church in conjunction with the Peace Education Center’s Alternative Holiday Sale. Christopher A. Wardell provides the details.
Saturday, Nov. 13, marks the 36th annual Women in the Arts Festival, held at Edgewood United Church. Stop in to hear some great music and purchase unique paintings, jewelry, pottery, books, and more!
Aloha Cookin’ expands downtown East Lansing’s dining options for a fresh, local meal. Honolulu native Chris Hong spoke to ELi’s Sarah Spohn about how he brought the new Hawaiian restaurant to the area.
“In March 2020, we turned in over 4,000 confiscated IDs to the ELPD that we collected from the school year, just September to March,” said Pat Riley, the owner of Harper’s Restaurant and Brew Pub and the Responsible Hospitality Council’s president.
Sarah Spohn provides a list of events for people of all ages. Some events are taking place today, so you don’t want to put off checking this out!
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?
Community & Economic Development Administrator Adam Cummins spoke to Council about the City’s Daytime. Nighttime. Anytime. Place Project. What did he say worked? What could be improved?
Calling all crafters, sewists, and fashionistas! This event is for you. What vendors will be there? What else can you expect to see and do? ELi’s Sarah Spohn reports.
City Council candidate forums, the possibility of a new City Attorney, an issue of representation at the Arts Commission, and parliamentary procedure. Alice Dreger brings updates on all that and more!
Are you heading to the East Lansing Farmers’ Market today? Sarah Spohn provides the scoop on Sweet Potato Delights and its owner and founder, Velonda Anderson.
After visiting a Clean Juice location elsewhere, Mary Hargrove immediately knew she wanted to open one of her own. What does the new place have to offer?
The placemaking event brought droves of students to downtown East Lansing and included a mobile vaccine clinic from the Ingham County Health Department. Andrew Graham brings more.
Over a half-million dollars in local taxes will be directed towards hiring economic development specialists to focus on East Lansing, if all goes as planned. Andrew Graham reports from the latest meeting of the East Lansing DDA.
Quark! – a store that opened at 549 E. Grand River Ave., on Aug. 4, sells gifts “at the intersection of science, art and everyday.”
The Albert EL Fresco was dismantled on Sunday, and some readers wrote in to express their sadness to see it go. Why has it been paused? When might we see it again?
If you see brightly colored front doors and botanical murals while driving through East Lansing, it just might be the handy work of fellow East Lansing resident and artist Adrienne Gelardi. Sarah Spohn reports on the artist and her work.
What happened at East Lansing’s City Council on Tuesday night? ELi’s Andrew Graham catches you up.
At the July 28 meeting, East Lansing’s Planning Commission discussed concerns regarding glassware usage at the Rock Bar, what to do with the Housing Study, and a proposal for another four-story hotel on the northwest side. Jack Timothy Harrison reports.
An ELi reader wrote in to say he finally figured out who was planting flowers at Lake Lansing Road and Towar Avenue, brightening the spot. We share his take in our “Little Local Joys” series.
The owners of Harper’s are looking to expand their outdoor features to include an outdoor bar, more tables and TVs, and possibly food trucks, all in an area off Grove St. that is now a parking lot.
In her remarks about the project, April Clobes, the head of MSUFCU, made a subtle reference to ELi’s reporting on why the project’s start had been delayed. Find out what she and others said and learn the project’s timeline from ELi.
Looking for outdoor concerts and movies? Want to know what else is going on at the newly renovated Patriarche Park? Sarah Spohn describes all that and more.
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.
Poké Fresh is a new family-owned, fast-casual restaurant in downtown East Lansing. What did co-owner Kylie Bachuwa tell ELi’s Sarah Spohn about the restaurant?
Outside of Peanut Barrel in downtown East Lansing, a tree can be found wrapped in colorful yarn, emblazoned with the word “LOVE” down the middle. Adan Tomas Quan reports for ELi on why Diane Barnum undertook this project and what it means to her.
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.
If a proposed state law on rentals becomes law, what could it mean for East Lansing? When will the City Manager’s annual evaluation happen? And, when is the MSU Dairy Store reopening? Find out the answers in the latest Ask ELi Grab Bag!
Ann and the Captain share some of their favorite dishes from The Cosmos. Whether getting Takeout, dining in, or dining outside, what do they recommend?
Looking for a sense of community and empowerment? The Barre Code has been working hard to provide this to women in the area throughout the pandemic. Sarah Spohn reports.
The police budget, marijuana revenue, Parks & Rec’s money problems, a key employee’s retirement, the Graduate Hotel’s liquor licenses, dog poop, a sod farm, and more. We bring you up to speed on what you missed at City Council this week.
Artist Victor Ving and photographer Lisa Beggs are on their way to East Lansing to install a new mural that highlights unique sights in our city. Sarah Spohn reports.
Ann and Captain Carnivore visit an old favorite, El Oasis, known affectionately as “The Taco Truck.” How did she find the birria tacos? What else do she and the Captain recommend?
Ann uncovers the breakfast options available at Pizza House. What does she recommend?
Ann makes the case that Lou and Harry’s lamb gyro is truly food fit for the gods. But what else do she and her partner-in-crime, Captain Carnivore, recommend?
Ann and the Captain explored Korean, Japanese, and Thai cuisine, all from one restaurant. What does Ann recommend?
What’s new at Wild Birds Unlimited?
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?
East Lansing native Gina Mudrey speaks to Sarah Spohn about the grand opening of For Crêpe Sake. What does the owner recommend?
If Ann had just six weeks to live, she would spend it eating Indian food. So what would she feast upon from Swagath Indian Cuisine?
Is this a case of overreach of East Lansing government into private business? Or is it a case of Planning Commission and City Council carrying out their fiduciary responsibilities?
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.
What happened at City Council last night? We bring you the run-down.
East Lansing resident Rueben Hewitt is working to make healthy meals affordable and accessible through his business, MenuBubble. Sarah Spohn reports on how the service works and what motivated Hewitt to get it running.
Sansu offers more than just sushi, but even Captain Carnivore enjoyed their pescatarian offerings. Read on for Ann’s description of their delectable meals.
Visitors to the market will find a wide array of food, including pies, pastas and sauces, goats’ milk and cows’ milk cheeses, fresh eggs, jams, fancy cocktail mixes (just add liquor), and much more. Plus handmade winter hats and gloves, dresses, and aprons.
Looking to enjoy what downtown East Lansing has to offer? Check out the Weekend Warriors project, which is funding through the Place Project. ELi’s Sarah Spohn reports.
Massage & Wellness offers many spa and wellness services for pampering and promoting health and well-being. Their gift shop also allows you to bring these joys home. Sarah Spohn reports.
“They offer Italian food with interesting twists and are a true scratch kitchen, making their own pasta, sauces, and sausages.” So what did Ann and Captain Carnivore find particularly delicious?
The City of East Lansing is trying to raise $50,000, to be matched through a grant, to bring people Downtown. It also wants people with downtown gift cards to use them sooner rather than later. Andrew Graham explains.
What happened to the motorcycle parking on Albert Ave.? Is Breugger’s Bagels reopening? And what’s action that on Trowbridge Road? You ask. We answer.
It’s true: if you park in the old Biggby’s lot without permission, you may not find your car there when you come back.
After months of delay, Georgio’s Gourmet Pizza will reopen a location on Grand River Ave. on Tuesday, Aug. 4. ELi’s Sarah Spohn brings the story.
Managers of East Lansing restaurants and bars tell ELi they’re doing what they can to keep their employees and customers safe.
What’s closed, what’s opening, what’s happening along East Lansing’s main strip? The latest from ELi.
What delights can you expect to find at the market on this beautiful day in East Lansing?
Tables will be available 11 am to 10 pm for people who want to sit and enjoy food and drink purchased from restaurants within a 3-block radius.
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.
Expect fresh eggs, bread, herbs, spring onions, rhubarb, honey, syrup, greens, cheeses and meat, mushrooms, jams, fermentations, and more.
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.
“It’s going to be scarier for the city than I think it is for campus,” Beier said about MSU’s decision to reopen in the fall.
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.
ELi’s Sarah Spohn talks with Foster Coffee co-owner Nicholas Pidek about how that company is managing reopening.
East Lansing’s City Government is getting busy. What’s up?
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.
Parking revenues have taken a steep dive. Fees and fines are way down. The shortfall in the Parks & Rec budget looks to be $300,000. And with MSU shuttered, the income tax can’t save us now.
City staff are looking into ways to enable people to enjoy food and drink (including beer and wine) from local restaurants outside, in public spaces set up with picnic tables.
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.
Marcy Gillespie Kinzer of the Playmakers team updates us on the store’s “fit at home” and virtual injury clinic help. And this Sunday, you can move to share the 517 love.
What’s fair to charge bars and restaurants in East Lansing? And should liquor licenses be more heavily regulated here?
“It is really the grocery store in East Lansing that many of us have wanted for years. The owners are local, the service is excellent.”
This year’s market will look a lot different, but will still open on June 7 and run on Sundays in Valley Court Park.
Here’s how you can help keep your favorite East Lansing-area coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries alive!
What’s happening with Newman Lofts, police oversight, big downtown construction, and more? ELi brings you up to speed.
How did the Downtown Development Authority ultimately decide to judge applications for one hundred grants of $2,500 each?
The DDA will meet Thursday to decide on criteria for $250K in grants to local businesses. We explain what’s been decided so far.
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.
The DDA is diverting $250,000 to help 100 local businesses, as City Council will discuss other possible aid mechanisms.
Ray Walsh has owned and operated Curious Book Shop for fifty years. He’s hoping the community will help his employees.
City staff are looking into whether East Lansing’s market could follow the style of the Allen neighborhood market in Lansing.
When the Responsible Hospitality Council learned of the ELPS need, its members quickly took action.
In her latest column, Ann Nichols explores the cooking options enabled by one farm-to-table restaurant’s inventive approach.
Love working with paint, carving, vinyl decal, wood burning, stain, or some other application? Apply now to participate in an art contest being held by High Caliber Karting.
Bad time to have a communication to loyal customers go to spam! But Audrey Yonkus shares beautiful photos with ELi.
This Saturday, Playmakers’ race participants will spread out to run, walk, and roll worldwide at three different distances.
Good news: you can continue to enjoy the work of local artists who gather around Blue Owl Coffee’s open mic night. And if you are an artist, you can join in.
What could earn you a thousand-dollar fine in East Lansing under the stay-at-home order? ELi explains.
Last week’s “Ann About Town” column on Charlie Kang’s brought a heartwarming letter from Mr. Kang’s daughter, Yuni Yi. We share her note with you.
Various groups in this region, including the Capital Area Housing Partnership, are working to help people avoid eviction, foreclosure, and homelessness.
The crane is no longer moving at The Abbot. But there’s some good news from the project. ELi’s Alice Dreger reports.
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.
When sheltering in place and staying safe, one must rely on the tried-and-true. For ELi’s Ann Nichols, that means a hearty helping of Korean and Chinese cuisine delivered from Charlie Kang’s.
In downtown East Lansing, Campbell’s Market Basket is keeping its shelves stocked with groceries. ELi’s Noa Kuszai files this report.
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.
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.
Many businesses are offering by-appointment help but make sure to call ahead. There are college students willing to help, if you need it. ELi’s Alice Dreger helps by filing this rundown.
In observance of federal, state and local orders to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, many businesses have scaled back their hours and services. ELi’s Sarah Spohn provides the details.