The editorial East Village project could hurt community (SN 3/4) and article Student housing at stake in E.L. redevelopment (SN 3/2) continue to recycle the same misrepresentations of the East Village project as earlier articles and editorials.
Let’s start from the beginning again. This project was conceived jointly by East Lansing and MSU with significant public input. The planning process lasted two years and included students, residents, property owners, the greek community and university officials. The outcome was a vision and strategic plan to create a vibrant urban neighborhood of world-class quality that matches the world-class university it borders.
There is a misperception that the East Village project will mean a reduction in student housing in this area. In reality, student housing will be the largest housing component in the project. There are an estimated 692 rental units in the Cedar Village area. Plans call for 770 rental units. These units will accommodate both undergraduate and graduate students. Conceptual designs also include the addition of owner-occupied units along with a significant amount of retail, greek housing, office, entertainment and recreational uses — turning the area into a diverse and vibrant neighborhood.
While there will be high-end units to diversify the mix of housing, there also will be units priced competitively. Pierce Education Properties, or PEP, a company with a focus on student-oriented projects, plans to price the units at market rates comparable to other student housing projects in close proximity to campus.
The city of East Lansing is very committed to providing improved living opportunities within this new project for a variety of market segments, including students.
The city is conducting what is known as a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, a preliminary review of available documentation combined with visual inspections.
Phase I is only the first step in the environmental review process. Should actual testing be necessary, the city is prepared to spend grant funds to complete that testing and better understand the nature of existing contamination so that potential hazards can be addressed either now or during future redevelopment. Protecting the environment for our citizens is and will remain a major goal of the city of East Lansing.
Finally, while the city provided a 30-month time frame to the developer for feasibility work, by no means is this considered a drop-dead date for acquisition. It was well understood when the agreement was signed with PEP that the complex process of acquisition may well take longer. Given the current economic crisis, an extension is likely warranted but will be evaluated by City Council at the appropriate time.
To date, PEP continues to make satisfactory progress on a $750 million transformational project that requires significant time and resources. It is a long-term project that requires patience and perseverance on the part of all involved.
I encourage residents of the community to learn more about this transformational project at www.cityofeastlansing.com/eastvillage.
Nathan Triplett
East Lansing City Councilmember and MSU alumnus
Support student media!
Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
Discussion
Share and discuss “Redevelopment project misrepresented in local media coverage” on social media.
