City Council will finalize the city budget for fiscal year 2026 at a meeting tonight.
The Folk Festival Study Committee has provided an early glimpse at what a 2025 festival may look like.
The festival was last held in 2017, but recently a committee was put together to explore bringing it back.
Council voted to move forward with the trail extension, instead of delaying the project until 2028.
Invasive plants can be found throughout East Lansing, with some species in nearly all of the city’s parks.
The two-day festival will be held Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22 and is expected to bring about 7,000 people to downtown East Lansing.
With the year coming to an end, we look back at top stories and issues in the City of East Lansing.
Parks & Rec Commission heard a report from SRTS, conclusions of a Farmers Market survey and bid farewell to Chuck Overbey.
The deer management plan and January cull were approved 4-1 at the Nov. 28 meeting.
This is the second year the festival will be held outside and inside the Hannah Community Center.
With migrating birds, squirrels fattening up for winter and diverse city parks, this is a good time of year to get outside.
Commissioners heard a presentations on lyme disease interventions, the aquatic center and city park upgrades.
Cathy DeShambo replied to questions about the recreation fee structures and provided a link to the department’s budget document.
There is more than meets the eye behind the costs for renovation of the Patriarche Park courts.
The official grand opening of the renovated Patriarche Park pickleball facility is Thursday but, once the nets went up last week, there was no stopping the enthusiasts from playing.
The proposed FY24 budget for ELPRA is just under $5.5 million, which is an increase of $189,330 from FY23.
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?
Some people remain very unhappy with the idea of paving over the center of the park for a pavilion, while others are excited by the designs. See the new renderings and find out what happened at the last Planning Commission meeting.
Revised plans will be made public for the first time; new plans include providing performance space.
Should the park be used for a farmers’ market pavilion? Have space for a dog park? A performance venue? Find out from ELi what Planning Commissioners and Historic District Commissioners had to say this week.
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?
The funds for the project are coming from East Lansing’s income tax and federal dollars distributed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Councilmembers take on a wide-range of topics and issues during Sept. 20 meeting.
![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 farmers market will likely get a new pavilion. What about other big changes potentially coming to that part of town?
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.
![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.
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?
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.
As it was the first meeting of 2022 for the Commission, they elected a new chair and vice chair. Al Hargrave reports.
Council discussed plans for marketing and development of a City-owned property in the northern tier. What might we expect to see there?
Catch up with ELi on the latest in downtown East Lansing redevelopment, including potentially in Valley Court Park.
While other local municipalities continue with business as normal, East Lansing’s own government is nearly halted, supposedly over Covid concerns. But who made that decision? ELi’s Alice Dreger reports that we don’t know, still.
While other local municipalities continue with business as normal, East Lansing’s own government is nearly halted, supposedly over Covid concerns. But who made that decision? ELi’s Alice Dreger reports that we don’t know, still.
Food trucks and a continued suspension of meetings for the City of East Lansing’s boards and commissions: we bring you a quick rundown of some things we’re keeping an eye on.
Ever wanted to slide relatively massive granite stones across a sheet of ice to try to get closest to a center target? Now’s your chance to give curling a whirl.
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?
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!
MSU announced today that it will require students, faculty, and staff to get a Covid booster for the upcoming semester. On Wednesday, the Parks and Rec Commission drafted a letter to the City Manager and Council, asking for the City, which has no plans for a vaccine mandate of its own, to change course on the issue.
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!
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.
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?
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 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?
A new apartment building and other big changes coming soon to the Valley Court Park area? Learn the latest from ELi’s Alice Dreger.
The power supply to the lights at the pickleball court was cut. Why? And why won’t there be repairs anytime soon?
What happened at East Lansing’s City Council on Tuesday night? ELi’s Andrew Graham catches you up.
ELi’s Sarah Spohn gives you the scoop on the return of the East Lansing Art Festival and other fun activities happening around town!
“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.
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.
Talifarro served as ELFD Fire Chief since 2001 and McCaffrey as Parks and Rec Director since 1999. ELi provides a look back at the tenure of the two directors.
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?
Who will replace Tim McCaffrey as Director of Parks & Rec? What else is going on in Parks & Rec? Emily Joan Elliott reports.
City Council’s latest budget discussion revealed some key differences of opinion – including between the City Manager and Council members. Which disagreements grew tense? ELi’s Alice Dreger reports.
Readers have been asking! So we asked Ingham County to give ELi an update, and now we bring you the news of what to expect when.
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.
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.
The idea was addressed at the Parks and Rec Advisory Commission meeting last Wednesday. Where might you find some new grub options this summer?
Following comments from readers, Ann explains how to be both a great human to your furry friend and a good neighbor. To summarize, please make sure your dog is on a leash, pick up poop, and dispose of it in your own trash can. For fun unleashed play, consider visiting the Northern Tail Dog Park.
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.
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 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.
Is it a comment on the topography? A reference to the middle school’s name? A tribute to a beloved educator? What we know is that people in East Lansing love their sledding hill!
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.
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.
City Council members discussed the issue at their Tuesday meeting. They didn’t take any action on the cull, but asked City Manager George Lahanas to push out information to address questions and concerns.
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.
The program for little kids is tentatively scheduled to begin in January. If public health orders make it a no-go, registrants will be fully reimbursed. Andrew Graham brings you the details.
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.
The Arts Commission heard presentations from some of those applying for Cultural Arts Grants and brainstormed ways to help local businesses. Heather Brothers reports.
A long-planned project will improve sewer infrastructure and change the amount of parking in the area, leaving some displeased. Alice Dreger reports.
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.
A stacked City Council agenda, another meeting of the Police Oversight Study Committee, School Board, and more. Alice Dreger reports.
The park reopened on Friday, Oct. 23, following roughly three years of improvements. Anaiis Rios-Kasoga reports for ELi.
What images best represent East Lansing? The Arts Commission weighed in as they finalize plans for a “Greetings from East Lansing” mural and other public art projects. ELi’s Heather Brothers reports.
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.
In the midst of plunging public revenues, East Lansing Parks & Rec is moving forward with various projects by pulling together funds from various sources. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reports.
A day after ELi’s Patty Bonito reported it’d be a long time before playgrounds and the dog park would reopen, the Parks & Rec Director changed his mind.
East Lansing playgrounds will remain off-limits until at least July 13, and the dog park until August 3 according to Tim McCaffrey, Parks & Rec Director.
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.
This year’s market will look a lot different, but will still open on June 7 and run on Sundays in Valley Court Park.
City staff are looking into whether East Lansing’s market could follow the style of the Allen neighborhood market in Lansing.
“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.
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.