The Board of Water and Light is considering different options to pursue with the North Lansing Dam. The LSJ has an article about it. The four options listed are to maintain it in it's current state, convert it to a hydro-electric dam, remove the top part of the dam (thus lowering the water level), or convert it to rubble and create rapids.
Removing the top part of the dam could allow for small boats to travel up the Grand River, although the water level will reduce considerably. The last time the water level was lowered was during the summer of 2007, and some of the fishing near Old Town was affected. Converting the dam to a hydro-electric dam is another green step for the BWL, and a good PR move.
I think they'll end up converting it to a hydro-electric dam and push for their green agenda, just as they have the solar array now.
I like both the idea of turning into a hydroelectric dam and the idea of a rapids, although I agree that if they do rapids they would have to do a good job with them.
With little money to invest to restore the rapids this might end up looking like the restored dam in Big Rapids. The area is “okay”, but nothing to write home about. http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10364_27415-80310--,00.html With its proximity to Old Town making this attractive especially is a huge issue. What will the EDC and City have to say if a lower water level affects development plans south of the dam?
Are there any indications BWL has enough land near-by to build a hydroelectric plant (power station to handle the electricity produced by the dam)?
Great ideas if BWL can properly fund either project.
Does the DNR know what affect this will have of the fish-ladder?
Yes, I believe you are correct this was a hydroelectric dam in the past. Let’s hope advancements in technology have reduced the size of the equipment allowing for a retrofitting.
Old Town has plans to add a playground nearby, which is a good addition as long as the area is save for the public and it is not taken up by a power relay station (things to keep in mind).
That is my point exactly, regarding the fish ladders relevance if the dam is removed. Since the ladder is state property, the development plans might become a little more complicated. Just look at the hoops the BWL had to go through to acquire a permit lower the river to inspect the dam.
I noticed the War Memorial in front of the Dept. of Justice buliding at MLK and Allegan is covered by a wood and plastic set-up...is there something going on with this?
Linking Lansing & U is holding a residential focus group tonight from 6:30-7:30 at the Arbaugh building. I think it's put on by the Principal Shopping District (PSD) for downtown residents if anyone's interested in offering opinions for downtown Lansing. Sorry for the late notice. I will definitely be there and I hope there will be a decent turnout.
I'm not exactly sure what location on Michigan Avenue your talking about, but I'm very familier witht he street. I'm surprise as well about the demolish, I didn't read an article on it. Glad to see the houses come down, because from what I recall many homes on Michigan Avenue have become eyesores since it became a more buisness street. Same for downtown, I've notice homes right in the middle of the dowtown. They are probably located off of Kalamazoo, near a park, and city libarey...
Comments
Removing the top part of the dam could allow for small boats to travel up the Grand River, although the water level will reduce considerably. The last time the water level was lowered was during the summer of 2007, and some of the fishing near Old Town was affected. Converting the dam to a hydro-electric dam is another green step for the BWL, and a good PR move.
I think they'll end up converting it to a hydro-electric dam and push for their green agenda, just as they have the solar array now.
Are there any indications BWL has enough land near-by to build a hydroelectric plant (power station to handle the electricity produced by the dam)?
Great ideas if BWL can properly fund either project.
Does the DNR know what affect this will have of the fish-ladder?
As far as the fish ladder, if the dam is removed there is no need for it anymore.
Old Town has plans to add a playground nearby, which is a good addition as long as the area is save for the public and it is not taken up by a power relay station (things to keep in mind).
That is my point exactly, regarding the fish ladders relevance if the dam is removed. Since the ladder is state property, the development plans might become a little more complicated. Just look at the hoops the BWL had to go through to acquire a permit lower the river to inspect the dam.