After growing up in Detroit, Kelly DeGrandchamp found Greater Lansing a whole different type of area.
“(Lansing’s) a lot more friendly and a lot greener,” the zoology junior said.
But like many students, DeGrandchamp sees room for improvement in Lansing.
“I think there’s a major issue with a lot of housing and property values,” she said.
DeGrandchamp represents a majority of Michigan residents, according to a survey put together by MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research.
A group of state representatives and MSU professors will meet to discuss the survey results at 11:30 a.m. today at the Library of Michigan, 717 W. Allegan St. in Lansing, in the Lake Ontario Room.
While the survey results will not be released until today, Carol Weissert, an MSU professor of political science and one of the attending professors, said there will be some surprising results.
Surveyors split Michigan’s population into two sections. One group was asked about its feelings on Michigan cities in general and the other was asked about its feelings on Detroit.
“We did find some big differences that people are much more optimistic and understand the importance of Michigan cities than they do about Detroit,” Weissert said.
The reaction varied across the state, with the Upper Peninsula having the most negative opinion of urban Michigan and western Michigan having a more positive opinion.
A major portion of the forum will be devoted to taking questions from the public to address concerns over urban issues.
“This is a great opportunity to talk with constituents about land-use issues,” state Rep. Patricia Lockwood, D-Fenton, said. “Land-use has been identified as one of the top three issues along with health care uses and education.”
Along with the issue of brownfield redevelopment and urban sprawl, Lockwood said she hopes people examine urban downtown redevelopment.
Downtown redevelopment provides a better living environment for urban residents and prevents expansion into agricultural or undeveloped areas, Lockwood said.
“Where people don’t have to drive everywhere they can take advantage of the parks and the walkways and have things at their fingertips,” she said. “You’ll see a real return to the downtown area.”
State and local governments have taken notice of urban issues. The city of Lansing has a list of almost 100 brownfield sites to be redeveloped, but Lockwood said the issue needs to be pursued.
“The issue of land-use has really come before in Michigan,” she said. “But it’s really about 10 years late so it’s nice to know we’re finally looking at the issue of land growth.”
