East Lansing Downtown - Progress on the Corner!

Or not.

A Chicago developer has withdrawn plans for a new 12-story hotel and luxury apartments on a long-vacant downtown block. The project, which will cost more than $50 million, will have to be revised

"The cause is a requirement buried in an ordinance on building heights that the City Council adopted in February. For any multi-family rentals built in B-3 zones downtown, 50% of the development must be owner-occupied condos or apartments for senior citizens.

"It makes no sense to have them in the same building,” said Dave Nelson, head of real estate for Convexity Properties, which proposed the project. “Those are totally different developers and financing sources. I am not willing to do a for-sale product in that area.”

Convexity's zoning lawyer David Pierson said they weren't aware of the zoning change until they sent in the site plan because the city failed to list the ordinance on its website, as is customary.​"

East Lansing surely needs more apartments for seniors in its downtown, so they can walk home from the bars at 2AM.

Floyd Robertson wrote:East Lansing surely needs more apartments for seniors in its downtown, so they can walk home from the bars at 2AM.

Isn't that what happened to the last development also? They put some stupid restrictions on it?

City Council is more interested in getting re-elected than doing what's right for downtown.

NigelUno wrote:

Floyd Robertson wrote:East Lansing surely needs more apartments for seniors in its downtown, so they can walk home from the bars at 2AM.

Isn't that what happened to the last development also? They put some stupid restrictions on it?

City Council is more interested in getting re-elected than doing what's right for downtown.

The college town that hates the college it seems.

NigelUno wrote:

Floyd Robertson wrote:East Lansing surely needs more apartments for seniors in its downtown, so they can walk home from the bars at 2AM.

Isn't that what happened to the last development also? They put some stupid restrictions on it?

City Council is more interested in getting re-elected than doing what's right for downtown.

How do you know this. Perhaps there were legit reasons to place restrictions on the developers. As usual you're talking out your ass

Floyd Robertson wrote:

NigelUno wrote:

Isn't that what happened to the last development also?  They put some stupid restrictions on it?

City Council is more interested in getting re-elected than doing what's right for downtown.

The college town that hates the college it seems.

LOL...FYI most college town residents in America that are 40+  "hate" the college...

Get the fuck out then. Maybe rent will be cheaper. Not paying much more in Denver compared to EL should disgust someone.

Tanfan! wrote:

NigelUno wrote:

Isn't that what happened to the last development also?  They put some stupid restrictions on it?

City Council is more interested in getting re-elected than doing what's right for downtown.

How do you know this. Perhaps there were legit reasons to place restrictions on the developers.  As usual you're talking out your ass

The "legit reasons" are the residents of EL don't want a bunch of apartments downtown and they elect city council members who put silly provisions in place.  Maybe you should read the article.  

Unless you think downtown needs apartments for senior citizens?  

Try not to be so desperate for a fight and use you fucking brain for once.

DWags wrote:So, the council is willing to leave it look like shit. WTF?

Apparently. Turning away a developer with 50 million is insane.

NigelUno wrote:

Floyd Robertson wrote:East Lansing surely needs more apartments for seniors in its downtown, so they can walk home from the bars at 2AM.

Isn't that what happened to the last development also? They put some stupid restrictions on it?

City Council is more interested in getting re-elected than doing what's right for downtown.

Not sure why the council wants to be re-elected. The pay is practically nothing and you are a glorified complaint department.

Now, the City Manager is a different story. 6 figure job and he truly runs the city. Of course, he is hired and approved by council.

duffy munn wrote:

NigelUno wrote:

Isn't that what happened to the last development also? They put some stupid restrictions on it?

City Council is more interested in getting re-elected than doing what's right for downtown.

Not sure why the council wants to be re-elected. The pay is practically nothing and you are a glorified complaint department.

Now, the City Manager is a different story. 6 figure job and he truly runs the city. Of course, he is hired and approved by council.

Power trip.

duffy munn wrote:

DWags wrote:So, the council is willing to leave it look like shit. WTF?

Apparently. Turning away a developer with 50 million is insane.

And it's much easier to get financing for apartments. Putting provisions in place for owner occupied condos kills a lot of projects. The project would be underway if there were no such provisions. And a grocery store? You've got to be kidding me. There's not enough density for that.

NigelUno wrote:

duffy munn wrote:

Not sure why the council wants to be re-elected. The pay is practically nothing and you are a glorified complaint department.

Now, the City Manager is a different story. 6 figure job and he truly runs the city. Of course, he is hired and approved by council.

Power trip.

I've known many council people over the years and this is some what accurate. I never understood it. Lots of hours for next to no money. I think it pays around 11k a year.

Others have used the position as a spring board to better political positions. ( Sam Singh, Mark Meadows)

A very select few actually had the cities best interest at heart and understood the importance of MSU.

DWags wrote:

duffy munn wrote:

Apparently. Turning away a developer with 50 million is insane.

That's too bad, I was wondering what would go good there. That would be perfect. What is the reasoning about the senior citizens? I'm not following.

It would be perfect. It makes sense and would benefit the entire downtown.

For years I looked across the street to that eyesore. For years I was led to believe something big was going to be developed. I told council members I would believe it when I saw a crane and a wrecking ball.

5 years after I was gone, a crane and a wrecking ball showed up. To knock down the small building.

Now this. Sad and pathetic.

NigelUno wrote:

Tanfan! wrote:

How do you know this. Perhaps there were legit reasons to place restrictions on the developers.  As usual you're talking out your ass

Unless you think downtown needs apartments for senior citizens?  

Tanner is looking for a place in MI

duffy munn wrote:

DWags wrote:

That's too bad, I was wondering what would go good there. That would be perfect. What is the reasoning about the senior citizens? I'm not following.

It would be perfect. It makes sense and would benefit the entire downtown.

For years I looked across the street to that eyesore. For years I was led to believe something big was going to be developed. I told council members I would believe it when I saw a crane and a wrecking ball.

5 years after I was gone, a crane and a wrecking ball showed up. To knock down the small building.

Now this. Sad and pathetic.

Instead of trolling on message boards 24/7 why don't you and your pal Nigel run for council? I mean you're so smart and everything. Instead of screaming at clouds get off your ass and do something.

CORNER BLITZ wrote:

NigelUno wrote:

Unless you think downtown needs apartments for senior citizens?  

Tanner is looking for a place in MI

With depressed land prices real estate in Michigan is a losing proposition. I'll rent a cabin up north during the summer.

DWags wrote:

Tanfan! wrote:

Instead of trolling on message boards 24/7 why don't you and your pal Nigel run for council? I mean you're so smart and everything. Instead of screaming at clouds get off your ass and do something.

I assume you're going to apply to coach the MSU football team then.

Tanfan! wrote:

duffy munn wrote:

It would be perfect. It makes sense and would benefit the entire downtown.

For years I looked across the street to that eyesore. For years I was led to believe something big was going to be developed. I told council members I would believe it when I saw a crane and a wrecking ball.

5 years after I was gone, a crane and a wrecking ball showed up. To knock down the small building.

Now this. Sad and pathetic.

Instead of trolling on message boards 24/7 why don't you and your pal Nigel run for council? I mean you're so smart and everything. Instead of screaming at clouds get off your ass and do something.

There was a time when I was very politically active. Sitting on numerous boards and commissions. That time is gone.

And blow me.

DWags wrote:

Tanfan! wrote:

Instead of trolling on message boards 24/7 why don't you and your pal Nigel run for council? I mean you're so smart and everything. Instead of screaming at clouds get off your ass and do something.

I assume you're going to apply to coach the MSU football team then.

Now this would be the perfect fit.

Tanner as the Head Coach:
-freak out and fire the DC
-recruit more like Brady Hoke
- Listen to the announces to form opinions and schemes
-eliminate the cover two
-have contempt for players not good enough to contribute, or God forbid, fail as 20 year olds

But at least we would cover the wheel route!!

Tanfan! wrote:

CORNER BLITZ wrote:

Tanner is looking for a place in MI

With depressed land prices real estate in Michigan is a losing proposition. I'll rent a cabin up north during the summer.

Let me know and I'll get you a nice place on the river up here, but away from all the Mio hubbub.

Tanfan! wrote:

CORNER BLITZ wrote:

Tanner is looking for a place in MI

With depressed land prices real estate in Michigan is a losing proposition. I'll rent a cabin up north during the summer.

you'll love it up there.. simply amazing.

So many family memories to be made.

Robert J Sakimano wrote:

Tanfan! wrote:

With depressed land prices real estate in Michigan is a losing proposition. I'll rent a cabin up north during the summer.

you'll love it up there.. simply amazing.

So many family memories to be made.

Bob, as a longtime East Lansing resident do you have any thoughts on this development ?

I hate to tear you away form your repetitive Up North shctick but I'm really curious what you think about the blighted corner and our inept city government.

duffy munn wrote:

Robert J Sakimano wrote:you'll love it up there.. simply amazing.

So many family memories to be made.

Bob, as a longtime East Lansing resident do you have any thoughts on this development ?

I hate to tear you away form your repetitive Up North shctick but I'm really curious what you think about the blighted corner and our inept city government.

it's okay.. I can put my love of Up North and excitement for football season to the side for a minute..

to be honest, I don't really know the details about that corner. I know the city government seems to be incredibly disconnected with what I suspect is best for the city of East Lansing.. I get the feeling that there are a bunch of old people (no offense, Goose) who want EL to remain stuck in the 50's (no offense, Goose) and are unwilling to recognize that the world around them in changing and in order to remain viable, they need to evolve, as well.

but, yeah, I've gotten to the point where fact and rumor/myth seems to have gotten blurred with regard to various East Lansing issues. I love downtown.. I'm downtown in one fashion or another probably 2-3 times a day. Luckily, we live close enough where we can walk so that makes it much more convenient and accessible.

okay.. back to football and Up North.

Robert J Sakimano wrote:

duffy munn wrote:

Bob, as a longtime East Lansing resident do you have any thoughts on this development ?

I hate to tear you away form your repetitive Up North shctick but I'm really curious what you think about the blighted corner and our inept city government.

it's okay.. I can put my love of Up North and excitement for football season to the side for a minute..

to be honest, I don't really know the details about that corner. I know the city government seems to be incredibly disconnected with what I suspect is best for the city of East Lansing.. I get the feeling that there are a bunch of old people (no offense, Goose) who want EL to remain stuck in the 50's (no offense, Goose) and are unwilling to recognize that the world around them in changing and in order to remain viable, they need to evolve, as well.

but, yeah, I've gotten to the point where fact and rumor/myth seems to have gotten blurred with regard to various East Lansing issues. I love downtown.. I'm downtown in one fashion or another probably 2-3 times a day. Luckily, we live close enough where we can walk so that makes it much more convenient and accessible.

okay.. back to football and Up North.

Thanks for the honest response, Bob.

You may now resume your regularly scheduled schtick.

duffy munn wrote:

Robert J Sakimano wrote:it's okay.. I can put my love of Up North and excitement for football season to the side for a minute..

to be honest, I don't really know the details about that corner. I know the city government seems to be incredibly disconnected with what I suspect is best for the city of East Lansing.. I get the feeling that there are a bunch of old people (no offense, Goose) who want EL to remain stuck in the 50's (no offense, Goose) and are unwilling to recognize that the world around them in changing and in order to remain viable, they need to evolve, as well.

but, yeah, I've gotten to the point where fact and rumor/myth seems to have gotten blurred with regard to various East Lansing issues. I love downtown.. I'm downtown in one fashion or another probably 2-3 times a day. Luckily, we live close enough where we can walk so that makes it much more convenient and accessible.

okay.. back to football and Up North.

Thanks for the honest response, Bob.

You may now resume your regularly scheduled schtick.

GO GREEN!!!

2 projects now competing with each other.

http://eastlansinginfo.org/content/park-district-plan-goes-council-ahead-center-city-proposal

Park District:



Center City:

NigelUno wrote:2 projects now competing with each other.

http://eastlansinginfo.org/content/park-district-plan-goes-council-ahead-center-city-proposal

Park District:



Center City:

The city center project may actually have a chance this time.

Big money and a locally respected investor.

Or course, council will find a way to fuck it up.

duffy munn wrote:

NigelUno wrote:2 projects now competing with each other.

http://eastlansinginfo.org/content/park-district-plan-goes-council-ahead-center-city-proposal

Park District:



Center City:

The city center project may actually have a chance this time.

Big money and a locally respected investor.

Or course, council will find a way to fuck it up.

They seem to be catering to the Council by including a Senior building. I bet the Council asks for a height reduction in the buildings.

Look What’s Coming to Barrio East Lansing

Opening mid-February.



https://barrio-tacos.com/