East Lansing boards review downtown high-rise, income tax extension, and police oversight policies
A 10-story mixed-use building proposed for Albert Avenue and a potential expansion of the city’s income tax through 2040 were among the most significant items discussed by East Lansing boards this week. No votes were taken, as several recent meetings were agenda-only sessions without published minutes.
Downtown development and DDA contracts
On June 24, the Planning Commission reviewed site plans for a 10-story building with 205 residential units and ground-floor commercial space at 530 Albert Avenue. The same project went before the Downtown Development Authority on June 25, which weighed whether to recommend approval of the site plan. The DDA also considered a special-use permit for a rooftop deck with alcohol service at 133 Evergreen Avenue (Graduate East Lansing).
The DDA agenda included three spending items: a contract with Harvey Electronics for up to $75,000 to upgrade downtown camera systems, a budget amendment that would increase the ambassador program from $100,000 to $275,000 for the coming fiscal year, and a contract with Tower Pinkster for up to $37,000 to design a DDA office and public restroom.
The Planning Commission separately reviewed a site plan for a 37,748-square-foot addition to the Brightwell Behavioral Facility at 3512 Coolidge Road and proposed zoning amendments covering electric-vehicle charging, parking ratios, landscaping, and urban farming rules related to bees and chickens.
Financial health committee eyes income tax extension
The Financial Health Review Committee met on June 25 to finalize a draft report that includes a recommendation to extend the city’s income tax for 10 years beyond its current 2040 expiration and to reallocate the proceeds. Other recommendations include absorbing the loss of Board of Water and Light franchise fees without raising property tax millage, reviewing parks and recreation fees, creating a local talent incubator, exploring a street-lighting special assessment, and improving fire-protection reimbursement reporting. The committee is scheduled to present its second draft on July 9.
Other recent business
The Building Board of Appeals on June 25 heard a variance request from Peak Management, LLC, seeking to avoid installing outdoor-venting bathroom fans at the Homestead Apartments. The request involves a reconsideration of a 2022 code decision and estimated retrofitting costs between $433,000 and $588,000.
The Police Oversight Commission on July 1 discussed access to body-worn camera videos, use-of-force policy recommendations, a draft annual report, and motions on 10 closed complaints. A $6,000 contract for a consultant to analyze use-of-force data was on the agenda.
The Zoning Board of Appeals held public hearings on July 1 for a lot-line adjustment at 962 and 970 Lilac Avenue and a rental-license application at 1933 Tamarisk Drive.
A special City Council meeting on June 30 was held entirely in closed session to discuss confidential legal correspondence and collective-bargaining negotiations.
Coming up
The Financial Health Review Committee meets again on July 9 to present its second draft final report, which includes proposals to extend the city income tax and a 5-mill property tax reduction to 2040, implement a street-lighting special assessment, and explore a ticket surcharge on Michigan State University events to reimburse city services.
Also on July 9, the Downtown Management Board Marketing Committee will consider a request for quotes for 12 short-form social-media videos with a $6,500 budget, and the Historic District Commission will hold public hearings on exterior renovations at 520 Ann Street, 350 Kensington Road, and 200 W. Grand River Avenue.
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.