The planning commission pushed the decision on the sale to March 10 after members of the fraternity said they were in constructive negotiations with an alumnus who tentatively agreed to purchase the property.The commission has to approve the potential buyer’s plans and, if approved, the sale would be voted on by the East Lansing City Council.

As a major fraternity house in East Lansing, Lambda Chi Alpha has become a familiar landmark, even for those outside of the greek community. Should the sale go through, it would essentially leave the chapter homeless, a situation the city and the national chapter should do everything they can to prevent.

The sale by the national Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity appears contrary to the core beliefs of greek societies. Fraternal organizations are all about brotherhood and helping out in times of need. Although the national chapter has said it would help the brothers find another property, it is unfortunate they are looking to sell the house so quickly to a developer. However, the national fraternity has sought out a buyer and it is the right of the fraternity to do with its property what it wants.

With that being said, the East Lansing City Council and East Lansing Planning Commission should do what they can to stall the development. The city cannot stop a sale outright, but the planning commission will look at how the development would comply with city codes, a process that can take months and give the local fraternity time to find another buyer or solidify its tentative deal with the alumnus. Too much tampering would be illegal, but for once, bureaucracy and drawing things out would look good on the city of East Lansing. Hopefully the city will look out for students, the greek community and East Lansing as a whole and find a way to stall the development from happening long enough for the local chapter to find a buyer.

It’d also be nice to see the local chapter and the rest of the greek community spring into action to save the iconic house. The local Lambda Chi Alpha chapter has lacked a large, public effort so far, but it’s not too late. The greek community is capable of putting together large efforts, and if it unites under a common cause, might be able to rescue the house.

It will not be a major disappointment if apartments aren’t built in the location. But if the fraternity house isn’t saved, it will be a sad day for the MSU and East Lansing community. Although the exterior of the house will stay the same, the fraternity has called the house home for 83 years and helped turn the area into a historic neighborhood. The impact the development would have on the community should overshadow the city’s potential financial gains. This is an opportunity for East Lansing to show the MSU community it truly cares. The city has more to gain in the form of respect and admiration by students and greeks alike if it can find a way to save the house.

East Lansing is known for taking their sweet time on city projects. Now is their time to shine.