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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Property owners question East Village

Kristen Daum
April 23, 2007

Before East Lansing's first island can be carved from the banks of the Red Cedar River, a San Diego-based developer must acquire the land necessary to begin the East Village project. On Tuesday, Theresa Nakata, the company's vice president for marketing and communications, said The Pierce Company Inc. has had progressive negotiations with the region's property owners for several months. The estimated $500 million East Village project involves redeveloping the land bounded by East Grand River Avenue, Hagadorn Road, Bogue Street and the Red Cedar River with a mix of residential, retail and entertainment properties by 2011. The project's latest concept design by Hollywood-based 5+Design calls for a man-made canal and island next to an 11-acre riverfront park, showcasing the features of the Red Cedar River. International relations freshman Kelly Steffen said she would return to the East Village if it's redeveloped, but for now, she is concerned about the student housing that could be affected by the project. "Cedar Village is the only off-campus housing that's cheap," she said.

MICHIGAN

Businesses fight spirits tax

Cash Kruth
April 20, 2007

Michigan's economy is in a budget slump. With a $800-900 million budget deficit, industries and consumers in certain sectors are fearing tax changes could hit them hard. The Michigan Brewers Guild has prepared itself against changes that could involve an increase in beer and wine tax.

MICHIGAN

Gem residents honored by city

Kristen Daum
April 20, 2007

A bookshop owner, folk musician and community activist were each honored Thursday night during the 20th annual East Lansing Crystal Awards ceremony. The award is given to three residents who have made strides to improve the quality of life in East Lansing.

MICHIGAN

Activists fight for arts

Alex Altman
April 19, 2007

Lansing — Legislative efforts to cut funding from Michigan's art and cultural groups are crippling the state's economy, activists argued Wednesday during a rally outside the Capitol Building in Lansing. About 200 people attended the rally, which was organized to protest Gov.

MICHIGAN

E.L. joins agreement to cut greenhouse gases

Brendan Bouffard
April 18, 2007

East Lansing joined the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement on Tuesday afternoon, fulfilling a long line of requests from residents concerned about global warming. Signing the agreement will add to the list of wise decisions East Lansing already has made, said Aileen Gow, director of Urban Options, an environmental education center. "This is a continuance of a long history of good decisions, and they are getting better," she said.

MICHIGAN

Murderers could get life sentences

Alex Altman
April 18, 2007

Last fall, Christopher Lucas killed his girlfriend's mother with stomps to the head so ferocious, his boots left imprints. But because of a "loophole" in the law, the 25-year-old Lyon Township resident was convicted of second-degree murder — giving him a chance for parole, said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. The outcome of this trial inspired Bouchard, Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca and Rep.

MICHIGAN

Residents can take crash course on city

Kristen Daum
April 18, 2007

Students have an opportunity to hone their political skills through a new community leadership program sponsored by East Lansing. The city is launching the East Lansing Emerging Leaders Program to give residents a 10-week crash course this fall on the city's governmental process. The program, slated to run September through November, will cover the formats, processes and laws binding city government. "A lot of people might want to become involved but feel they don't have the knowledge or experience, but we want to give them the opportunity," said Marie McKenna, executive assistant to the city manager. In order to create a diverse, yet intimate, learning environment, the program will include about 20 community participants chosen through a comprehensive application process, McKenna said. Any East Lansing resident over the age of 18 can apply to join the program.

MICHIGAN

East Village plan drafted

Kristen Daum
April 17, 2007

A revised design for an East Lansing development project and the city's 2008 finances are among the items up for discussion at tonight's City Council meeting. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.

MICHIGAN

E.L. officials consider water bill increase

Kristen Daum
April 13, 2007

The average East Lansing homeowner could pay nearly $15 more for the city's water and sewer services beginning later this year, if a public works proposal is approved within the city's budget. City officials are recommending a 3 percent increase in water billing charges for the 2008 fiscal year — which would add up to an extra $3.66 every three months for the typical household. The next fiscal year begins on July 1. According to the city's 2008 budget proposal, the increase would be used to compensate for increased water consumption by residents and rising costs that East Lansing must pay to purchase the water from the East Lansing-Meridian Township Water and Sewer Authority. The authority serves about 74,000 people between the two municipalities and is able to distribute up to 15 million gallons of water per day. The East Lansing City Council still needs to approve the final budget, which would happen in May, so the proposed 3 percent increase could fluctuate before then, said Todd Sneathen, director of public works and environmental services. "We've anticipated we're going to average (the increase) in terms of that," Sneathen said.

MICHIGAN

MSU group earns top donor registry honors

Brendan Bouffard
April 13, 2007

Standing on the third floor of North Kedzie Hall, surrounded by the walls that house the Medical Technology Program, is a trophy meant to symbolize MSU's dedication to compassion and generosity. Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land gave the award to students in the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Student Association for winning the Gift of Life's University Challenge for the third time in four years. The Gift of Life sponsored an organ donation competition that worked with 14 different colleges and universities in Michigan.

MICHIGAN

Council wants plan prepared before vote

Kristen Daum
April 12, 2007

After six months of discussion, the East Lansing City Council isn't ready to vote on a proposed ordinance to ban homeless people from the city's parking facilities. It's not the ordinance that's causing the delay — it's how the city would end up implementing it that is the problem, council members said Tuesday. Instead of punishing, city officials want the proposal to benefit the homeless by providing them with proper shelter and resources to improve their well-being. "How do we take that theory and put it into practice?

MICHIGAN

Residents comb E.L. for bottles

Kristen Daum
April 11, 2007

East Lansing residents have a chance to give back to their community while getting to know their neighbors during a can-and-bottle drive scheduled for April 21. The drive will benefit the Bailey Community Association, which lies in the region bounded by Saginaw Street, East Grand River Avenue, and Hagadorn and Abbott roads. From 2-4 p.m.

MICHIGAN

Video shows E.L. life

Kristen Daum
April 11, 2007

"Rental World: MSU" is available for viewing online at www.offcampusliving.msu.edu. The scripted spin-off of MTV's "The Real World" follows five MSU students as they experience off-campus life.