City Council
Another Big Week at City Council
|
Councilmembers take on a wide-range of topics and issues during Sept. 20 meeting.
Parks & Rec
Abbot Park Renamed Azaadiwag Park, Honoring Cottonwoods and Indigenous Peoples [Updated]
|
A multi-ethnic team of women drafted a resolution to explain and effect the change.
Development
East Lansing Announces $1M Grant for Downtown Park. Is Big Redevelopment Coming Nearby?
|
The farmers market will likely get a new pavilion. What about other big changes potentially coming to that part of town?
Ask ELi to Investigate
Ask ELi: How Does East Lansing’s Geography Affect Home Maintenance?
|
In the latest Ask ELi to Investigate, Emily Joan Elliott explores how the marshy environment of East Lansing can affect local homes.
Development
Construction On River Trail Extension To Meridian Set To Begin Soon
|
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 to Investigate
Ask ELi: A Fence on Campus, Basketball Hoops Unlocked, and Construction On Burcham Drive [UPDATED]
|
ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott brings a few pieces of news and a noteworthy PSA about construction on Burcham Drive.
General News
Parks & Rec Advisory Commission Talks New Trails, More Food Trucks, and a Grant For Placemaking
|
As it was the first meeting of 2022 for the Commission, they elected a new chair and vice chair. Al Hargrave reports.
Development
What’s Happening Now with Downtown East Lansing Development?
|
Catch up with ELi on the latest in downtown East Lansing redevelopment, including potentially in Valley Court Park.
General News
This Week’s “East Lansing News We Don’t Know Where to Put”
|
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.
Sports
Here’s Your Chance to Try Curling, East Lansing
|
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.
Environment
East Lansing’s Second Deer Cull to Start on Jan. 3 Amid Continued Controversy
|
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?
Ask ELi to Investigate
Ask ELi: A Stolen Statue, Two Development Questions, and Problems with Verizon Cell Coverage
|
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!
General News
MSU to Require Covid Booster Shots While Parks & Rec Chair “Irritated” by City’s Lack of Mandate
|
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.
Environment
City Looks to Kill More Deer in This Year’s Cull
|
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.
Ask ELi to Investigate
Ask ELi: Car Break-Ins, Fabric Recycling, and Streetlights
|
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!
COVID-19
Council to Discuss Usage of Federal ARPA Funds, as ELi Readers Tell Us What They Want
|
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.
finance and taxes
More Northern Tier Trail Work Ahead? City Hopes by Applying for Natural Resources Trust Fund Grants
|
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?
Ask ELi to Investigate
Ask ELi: Sewers, Trails, Dogs, and Door-to-Door Salespeople
|
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?
Development
Controversial Intersection Redesign Debated at Joint EL-Meridian 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?
City Council
Big Changes Ahead for Valley Court Park Area
|
A new apartment building and other big changes coming soon to the Valley Court Park area? Learn the latest from ELi’s Alice Dreger.
Parks & Rec
It’ll Be Lights Out at the Patriarche Park Pickleball Courts, For the Time Being
|
The power supply to the lights at the pickleball court was cut. Why? And why won’t there be repairs anytime soon?
City Council
Stephens Leaves, Meadows Rejoins the City Government, Pickleball Goes Dark: This and More at Council
|
What happened at East Lansing’s City Council on Tuesday night? ELi’s Andrew Graham catches you up.
Arts & Cultures
East Lansing Art Festival Returns With Features Aimed at Easing Concerns
|
ELi’s Sarah Spohn gives you the scoop on the return of the East Lansing Art Festival and other fun activities happening around town!
Environment
Has EL’s Tree Canopy Shrunk? We Might Find Out This Year
|
“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.
Arts & Cultures
As Summer Events Return to EL, Here Is an Overview
|
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.
City Council
East Lansing City Council Will Tackle Action-Packed Agenda This Week
|
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.
finance and taxes
Two Long Time Directors for the City Retire: Randy Talifarro and Tim McCaffrey
|
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.
bicycles
New Intersection Plan Is Causing Some to Scratch Their Heads
|
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?
Environment
Where Does East Lansing Parks & Rec Stand, as Search for New Director Begins?
|
Who will replace Tim McCaffrey as Director of Parks & Rec? What else is going on in Parks & Rec? Emily Joan Elliott reports.
City Council
As Budget Set to Pass, EL Council Members Express Funding Concerns Related to Policing, Marijuana, and More
|
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.
Ask ELi to Investigate
Yes, That River Trail Extension East of Hagadorn Is Still Coming
|
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.
Government
Lots of News Out of City Council This Week
|
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.
Ask ELi to Investigate
A Disappeared Path, a Parking Lot Curiosity, and Abbot Road Closures?
|
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.
Arts & Cultures
Are Food Trucks Coming to East Lansing This Summer?
|
The idea was addressed at the Parks and Rec Advisory Commission meeting last Wednesday. Where might you find some new grub options this summer?
Ann About Town
Ann About Town: Curb Your Dog, Bring Your Enthusiasm to the Dog Park
|
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.
Ask ELi to Investigate
What’s Happening in East Lansing?
|
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.
City Council
No Lines on St. Patrick’s Day, and Bond Counsel Shifts: News from City Council
|
What happened at City Council last night? We bring you the run-down.
Environment
Bald Eagle and Other Raptors Flocking Around East Lansing
|
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.
Ask ELi to Investigate
Ask ELi Grab Bag: Deer, Playgrounds, and Parking
|
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.
finance and taxes
What’s Going on With the City of East Lansing’s Finances?
|
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.
Arts & Cultures
How Did Mickey Mouse Hill Get Its Name?
|
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!
Ask ELi to Investigate
That Bumpy Part of the River Trail Will Be Fixed
|
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.
General News
Lake Lansing Road-Towar Avenue Intersection to be Redone This Summer
|
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.
East Lansing Public Library
Rundown of Meetings from This Past Week
|
The City and school district held several important meetings this week. The ELi team brings you the updates.
General News
In Letters to City Council, Some Pinecrest Residents Ask Deer Cull Be Halted In Henry Fine Park
|
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.
Environment
Nighttime Deer Culls Set to Start, with Park Closures Running through Early March (More Info)
|
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.
Sports
East Lansing Offering Buddy Basketball Program This Winter
|
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.
Arts & Cultures
School Board to Vote on Reopening Plan, and Council on Corporate Tax Exemptions
|
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.
Arts & Cultures
Arts Commission Concerned about Local Businesses and the Arts During Pandemic
|
The Arts Commission heard presentations from some of those applying for Cultural Arts Grants and brainstormed ways to help local businesses. Heather Brothers reports.
Development
Big Infrastructure Project Will Change Park District Area – and Peoples Church Isn’t Pleased
|
A long-planned project will improve sewer infrastructure and change the amount of parking in the area, leaving some displeased. Alice Dreger reports.
Arts & Cultures
Racism and Public Health, Falling Revenues, and More Coming to City Meetings This Week
|
Want to weigh in on cultural arts grants, a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis, money problems in Parks & Rec and in the parking system, and traffic on Highland Ave.? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott tells you which East Lansing City meetings will cover what this week.
Development
Many Big Issues Coming Before East Lansing’s Elected and Appointed Officials
|
A stacked City Council agenda, another meeting of the Police Oversight Study Committee, School Board, and more. Alice Dreger reports.
Arts & Cultures
Bailey Park Open to Public Again After Renovations
|
The park reopened on Friday, Oct. 23, following roughly three years of improvements. Anaiis Rios-Kasoga reports for ELi.
Arts & Cultures
Multiple Public Art Projects Coming to East Lansing
|
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.
Environment
Volunteers Remove Invasive Buckthorn Shrub, One Saturday at a Time
|
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.
Government
Ask ELi: When Will the Deer Be Culled?
|
The cull is expected to occur soon and will be conducted by government-employed sharpshooters working in East Lansing parks.
Arts & Cultures
Income Tax and Other Sources Being Used to Improve 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.
COVID-19
Parks & Rec Reverses Course; Will Open Playgrounds and Dog Park
|
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.
Ask ELi to Investigate
East Lansing Parks & Rec Is Keeping the Playgrounds and Dog Park Closed
|
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.
COVID-19
Emergency Closures Cause City of East Lansing’s Revenues to Plummet
|
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.
Arts & Cultures
Farmers Market Will Open June 7 With New Health Precautions
|
This year’s market will look a lot different, but will still open on June 7 and run on Sundays in Valley Court Park.
Arts & Cultures
Council Member Gregg Pushes for Opening Farmers Market in June
|
City staff are looking into whether East Lansing’s market could follow the style of the Allen neighborhood market in Lansing.
Arts & Cultures
Little Local Joys: The Ephemerals in Bloom
|
“All that’s been perfected over a billion years is right in your own backyard,” says Peter Carrington, the curator of Beal Garden.
COVID-19
Trail Etiquette During a Pandemic: Some Reminders to Us All
|
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?
Environment
Question of Park-Naming Leads to Significant Debate
|
What to do – if anything – about there being no parks in East Lansing named after women or people of color? The debate continues.
General News
Playgrounds Close, but Recreation Opportunities Await at Area Parks
|
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.
Development
Burcham Solar Park Blooming Soon
|
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.