As I read The State News on Wednesday morning, I could not help but feel the hypocrisy in what Mayor Pro Tem Sam Singh stated (“City designates rental buyback as a priority,” SN 4/3).

In the article, Singh said “we have always had priorities with students in mind.” I believe these statements are hollow at best.

The city of East Lansing has continued to display its interest in shunning the student population by taking away the ability for students to rent houses. This idea is ludicrous. I think it is safe to say MSU and its 40,000-plus student population are what drive the East Lansing economy.

If anyone has ever remained here during extended breaks between semesters, you have probably seen what I am referring to - empty streets, empty stores, no traffic.

Time and time again, newspapers like The State News and Lansing State Journal have run articles on how the managers of local East Lansing stores and restaurants acknowledge their dependence on the students for much of their income.

Then why does the city go forth with such projects as the City Center and this recent rental buyback issue? All this accomplishes is annoying students and driving them elsewhere for living and spending their money. It makes no sense. What family honestly would desire to live in a neighborhood full of college students?

If East Lansing continues to take these living options away from students, the city is going to witness its economy come to a grinding halt.

It is about time the city really begins working “with students in mind” and cater to their needs for a change.

Craig Sopo
finance senior