The East Village master plan is still in limbo.
The East Lansing Planning Commission hopes to finally bring the plan to a vote at its Feb. 8 meeting.
The delay in voting to approve the master plan seems to be a sure sign that people aren't ready to decide.
But the plan itself isn't the thing to worry about.
The owners, including many residential households, apartment complex owners and fraternity members, fear their voices to retain their establishments will not be heard if the plan is passed.
This fear is justified since, legally, East Lansing can call upon eminent domain, which is the constitutional right of the state to seize private property for its own use without consent from the owner.
But the planning commission hoped to alleviate those fears by passing a resolution that stated it would not use eminent domain when and if the plan passes.
The commission also stressed that the vote is by no means an end point for development. If it gets passed, it will only be one step toward a hypothetical goal that is still open for redefinition. It would then go to local developers and City Council members to propose and approve the project specifics.
That being said, it is understandable that current owners are fighting the planning commission's vote.
If your house is under threat of being taken away, you are going to fight it at every chance you get.
At this point there are a few possible outcomes:
• The commission votes no, in which case, it would simply be over.
• The plan passes and the original draft will go through modification seeing as the commission has ruled out the use of eminent domain and assuming the opposing property owners continue to hold their positions.
• Or they pass it and wear down the opponents into forfeiting their property, which would give the city free reign to do everything desired as outlined in the master plan.
Residents, especially those living in East Village, should continue to urge restructuring the plan. But if approved, there's still a chance to change it.