City expects large turnout for City Center II work session

East Lansing City Council members will discuss the $117 million City Center II project for the first time formally since April during a work session Tuesday.

The work session is set for 7 p.m. at 54-B District Court, Courtroom 2, 101 Linden St.

East Lansing City Manager Ted Staton said the council will discuss slight modifications made to the project, like moving the townhouses away from Valley Court Park.

Staton said the session was moved to a larger room in anticipation of public turnout due to the issue’s controversial nature among East Lansing residents.

The mixed-use project, which includes a 10-story building, would span from Abbot Road to Valley Court Park along Grand River Avenue, and would combine apartments and townhouses with office and retail space. A parking garage, included in the project, would require the demolition of student housing on Evergreen Avenue.

“We have had a number of people that have been quite vocal and spoken out on a number of questions,” Councilmember Kevin Beard said.

Beard said the meeting will attract residents because of the number of questions raised by the development’s current plans.

East Lansing resident Matt Hagan said he will attend the meeting to discuss a six-story parking garage, which would be located five feet from his property, and a trash bin that would be near his front yard.

“I’m concerned about the risks the city is taking in engaging in that type of project,” Hagan said.

The city council has planned a public discussion meeting for May 20.