Like I said before, if there was some way to know for sure that they'd build a MULTI-level parking garage and two 12-15 story towers and had an anchor tenent or two, I would be very much more in support of this project. So in that sense I agree with jwswrites. But currently all that is actually proposed is a one-level parking ramp and that's hard for me to get behind funding as a taxpayer on that alone. Add to that the fact that is in direct competition to the AF multi-level ramp that's part of the most significant project in the entire region in my opinion and I really can't support a one-level ramp by itself. So in that sense I also agree with MM. I do think suburbs are important for longterm MAJOR growth (as much as I don't like them), but if I have to choose between two projects, I always go with city center. My reason is simple, there are a million cookie cutter nice suburbs, but there are far fewer urban city centers out there to live in. So the city center (along with E. Lansing's college town vibe) is what makes mid-michigan stand-out from all those suburb options and therefore that's where we should be focusing our projects. However, as I said, to truly compete for all major businesses to have a larger pool of potential companies, some of which just aren't going to want to completely leave the suburb lifestyle, we do need good suburbs.
I think its good that they were able to have money for this project and the Accident Fund ramp. Eastwood is certainly developing into a very nice area and it will offer an impressive gateway into Lansing for those coming from the north.
Has this project been built? I always support projects in city centers over suburban greenfield projects. Sprawl hurts us all! If the population of the area was growing quickly, there would have to be some outward expansion, but even in that situation it should be high density.
No it has not been built yet, construction hasn't started yet either. From what I understand the smaller version of the project including about 150,000 sq ft of retail and a parking ramp is basically a sure thing and is supposed to start construction this year.
The project is more extensive than what I had thought; 125 apartments, 15 restaurants, 75k sq ft of retail and a 716 space parking structure. I'm wondering what this is going to look like.
Not sure why they would postpone a decision when it seems to be pretty strait forward to me.
The LSJ article went further in detail about the plans. NCG will be adding a 530 seat "large format theater" (IMAX I assume). And more importantly to me, the apartments are going to be above the retail space and adjacent to the parking ramp. I'm so glad the the apartments aren't going to just be some plain apartment buildings tucked away at the edge of the parking lot.
Do any of you live in Lansing Township? I'm looking for some informed residents to weigh in on the issue for an LSJ article.
Melissa Domsic
mdomsic@lsj.com
Comments
I think its good that they were able to have money for this project and the Accident Fund ramp. Eastwood is certainly developing into a very nice area and it will offer an impressive gateway into Lansing for those coming from the north.
This is detailing Lansing Townships renewed plans for those development bonds freed up by Accident Fund.
The project is more extensive than what I had thought; 125 apartments, 15 restaurants, 75k sq ft of retail and a 716 space parking structure. I'm wondering what this is going to look like.
Lansing Township board tables Eastwood decision
Not sure why they would postpone a decision when it seems to be pretty strait forward to me.
The LSJ article went further in detail about the plans. NCG will be adding a 530 seat "large format theater" (IMAX I assume). And more importantly to me, the apartments are going to be above the retail space and adjacent to the parking ramp. I'm so glad the the apartments aren't going to just be some plain apartment buildings tucked away at the edge of the parking lot.
Melissa Domsic
mdomsic@lsj.com