After years of planning, talking and virtually nothing being accomplished, the City Center II project finally is breaking ground. Even though the initial stages have taken off, MSU students and East Lansing residents should to take into account the city’s poor track record with this project.
This past Wednesday, workers began unloading metal perimeter fencing at the site of the future development, signaling the beginning of possible demolition at the site. If the project comes to fruition, a hotel, performing arts theater, office and retail space would sit near the Grand River Avenue and Abbot Road intersection. The development company in charge of City Center II, Strathmore Development Co., expects actual demolition to begin in two to six weeks.
Taking into consideration the amount of time elapsed since the project discussions began — almost 11 years — it still seems hard to believe this project ever will be finished.
It’s encouraging to finally see development, indicating the hope for City Center II still exists, even if it’s only some fencing being set up.
Although this is the biggest step forward for City Center II, it’s difficult to get excited about something that’s been in planning stages since some MSU students were in elementary school. Even if the project does begin this spring, it probably won’t be finished in time for any current MSU students to enjoy.
There is a very good chance City Center II won’t be completed for years to come. President of Strathmore Development Co. Scott Chappelle said in a recent article in The State News (“Workers set stage for City Center II project,” SN 4/4) there is “still lots of work to do” in regard to the project.
Some residents and students might be ready to see this project begin, but they should not hold their breath. Cautious citizens will believe in City Center II when it’s actually completed and not a second sooner.
The East Lansing City Council still has the power to sever ties to the project. At the end of the due-diligence period, which started last Wednesday and will last for about 83 more days, the city council can decide whether they want to continue with City Center II or put a complete end to it.
The council has the power to put an end to City Center II before it finally begins. However, it generally has shown support toward the development, and the development is unlikely to be nixed. That said, killing the project still is a possibility.
For the sake of East Lansing, many people can hope all those involved in the project can put history in the past to finally have something to show for years of discussions.
City Center II presumably will bring businesses into the area and offer more retail and entertainment for residents, not to mention the new development would be more attractive for residents than the abandoned buildings which currently sit in its place.
Everyone can hope, but once again it would be smart to continue to follow this project with a skeptical eye.
Hopefully the city can find a way to complete this project in a reasonable amount of time and revive downtown East Lansing, but there honestly is no telling if City Center II ever will come to fruition.
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