I emailed them and got the same brochure. I agree that they seem to be covering all of my original concerns with this bridge, if the things they're talking about are done properly which I assume they will be. Like you, the only thing I'm left wondering is if they are going to make the bridge look nice, I certainly hope that they do.
This was posted by "Downtown Lansing" on Facebook today: "Rumor has it that Davenport College and the City of Lansing will be performing a land swap deal that will allow Davenport to build on the block at Shiawassee and Capitol. It would be awesome to see that parking lot go away and also to put the Oliver Towers to use or tear it down. Looking forward to confirmation and details. Sounds like good news for downtown!"
This could be interesting, I can't wait to see more details.
In this Monday's City Council agenda there's a letter from the Historical Society of Greater Lansing stating that they are beginning to raise money to build a local history museum. Their first fundraiser will be a silent auction on October 8th, 2011 from 4-7 pm at the Comerica Bank at Washington & Michigan.
I've always wanted to see a local history museum in Lansing, I just hope that they make it worthwhile. I would hope that they put it in Downtown, Old Town or REO Town; and that it goes in a decent sized, decent looking building.
Am I missing something or is the Lansing School District's headquarters really up for sale: 519 W. Kalamazoo - CPIX
I don't remember hearing anything about the school district selling off its headquarters building. I also didn't know the parking lot behind the Cass Building belonged to the school district; at least I think that's the parking lot being included in this sale.
I would like to get away from the average development discussion and talk about a fundamental aspect of development: investment.
First, I think we can all agree that the Lansing region has incredible potential. Secondly, whether the region is growing or not, I think we can also agree that the region is under-performing since it is the capital region of Michigan, has great natural resources and location, and a world-class University in MSU.
Furthermore, what is stopping the Lansing region from capitalizing on these great opportunities and really attract the quality and amount of people that would invest in this region? Is there an increased need for venture capital? Does the region not have high amounts of the type of people that would open a business? Is there a need for more educated people? In general, what are we missing as a region?
(I refer to the "Lansing region" since most of the population is dispersed, but I really want to talk about development in the downtown areas of Lansing and East Lansing.)
Personally, I do believe the Lansing region is growing. Still, people are not capitalizing on opportunities, especially in the urban areas extending from Lansing and East Lansing. For example, the Lansing Riverfront is a very special location that is under-invested. That is the ideal location to open "grown-up" businesses and create a more adult environment. Like this, currently there are many more opportunities for the more adult demographic. In general, people have to invest in these opportunities for the region to really grow. If we were to mention one difference between very large metro areas, like Detroit, and Lansing is the level of investment.
Here is my list of things that I think could be done to improve downtown Lansing and downtown East Lansing. Some of them are already in process:
1. Increase transportation options between the two downtowns. Some examples of current transportation options: automobile, CATA, Entertainment Express, sidewalks, and bike lanes. Possible improvements include bus rapid-transit, increased quality of bike lanes (widening and increased emphasis/enforcement on the boundaries of the bike lanes/automobile lanes, as well as non-motorized transportation stations with air pumps, water fountains, and restrooms), and zip car locations in both downtowns (two exist on MSU's campus).
2. Develop more urban parks that cater to more groups of people. It would have been great for East Lansing to place their aquatic center at Valley Court park instead of near Bath Township. A great example of what can be done is Ranney Skatepark (it's located on Michigan Ave near Frandor). We could add more skate parks, dog parks, parks catered to young children, basketball courts, etc.
3. Increase the availability of some basic retail establishments that currently force downtown residents to leave the urban core. Adding a Meijer or Kroger to both downtowns will pull people to visit downtown as well as provide a more convenient shopping experience for those living nearby.
4. Provide incentives for businesses to relocate to one of the downtowns. This could include reduction of required parking spaces, tax breaks for being located along specific bus routes (CATA route 1 in particular), &c.
Comments
I'd always wondered why there were never any food trucks downtown, in here it says that they're banned in the Principle Shopping District.
This could be interesting, I can't wait to see more details.
Also, Michigan Flyer is looking at expanding their service out of Lansing: Michigan Flyer looks to add I-96 to Detroit Metro service
I've always wanted to see a local history museum in Lansing, I just hope that they make it worthwhile. I would hope that they put it in Downtown, Old Town or REO Town; and that it goes in a decent sized, decent looking building.
I don't remember hearing anything about the school district selling off its headquarters building. I also didn't know the parking lot behind the Cass Building belonged to the school district; at least I think that's the parking lot being included in this sale.
First, I think we can all agree that the Lansing region has incredible potential. Secondly, whether the region is growing or not, I think we can also agree that the region is under-performing since it is the capital region of Michigan, has great natural resources and location, and a world-class University in MSU.
Furthermore, what is stopping the Lansing region from capitalizing on these great opportunities and really attract the quality and amount of people that would invest in this region? Is there an increased need for venture capital? Does the region not have high amounts of the type of people that would open a business? Is there a need for more educated people? In general, what are we missing as a region?
(I refer to the "Lansing region" since most of the population is dispersed, but I really want to talk about development in the downtown areas of Lansing and East Lansing.)
Personally, I do believe the Lansing region is growing. Still, people are not capitalizing on opportunities, especially in the urban areas extending from Lansing and East Lansing. For example, the Lansing Riverfront is a very special location that is under-invested. That is the ideal location to open "grown-up" businesses and create a more adult environment. Like this, currently there are many more opportunities for the more adult demographic. In general, people have to invest in these opportunities for the region to really grow. If we were to mention one difference between very large metro areas, like Detroit, and Lansing is the level of investment.
1. Increase transportation options between the two downtowns. Some examples of current transportation options: automobile, CATA, Entertainment Express, sidewalks, and bike lanes. Possible improvements include bus rapid-transit, increased quality of bike lanes (widening and increased emphasis/enforcement on the boundaries of the bike lanes/automobile lanes, as well as non-motorized transportation stations with air pumps, water fountains, and restrooms), and zip car locations in both downtowns (two exist on MSU's campus).
2. Develop more urban parks that cater to more groups of people. It would have been great for East Lansing to place their aquatic center at Valley Court park instead of near Bath Township. A great example of what can be done is Ranney Skatepark (it's located on Michigan Ave near Frandor). We could add more skate parks, dog parks, parks catered to young children, basketball courts, etc.
3. Increase the availability of some basic retail establishments that currently force downtown residents to leave the urban core. Adding a Meijer or Kroger to both downtowns will pull people to visit downtown as well as provide a more convenient shopping experience for those living nearby.
4. Provide incentives for businesses to relocate to one of the downtowns. This could include reduction of required parking spaces, tax breaks for being located along specific bus routes (CATA route 1 in particular), &c.
What are some of your ideas?