Nothing really new, but DTN is now saying that it is going to try to proceed without the Strathmore-owned properties. I'm starting to doubt that DTN will actually start any work on this project.
Yeah, I think eminent domain here is actually in the right direction. Years back the city took the odd step of condemning the Cedar Village area as part of their East Village plan. That condemnation was absurd, whereas these buildings are actually on that downwards path, if they're not there already.
I think the city has actually been planning this project on an appropriate scale. The plans we've seen are the most ambitious in the metro area in my memory. However, they appear unable to deliver. I think potential tenants are reluctant to sign on because of the blight on the corner, and I don't blame them. If EL wants this project to look anything like the plans, they have to address those disgusting abandoned buildings.
Yeah, I'm not a fan of eminent domain but it may be the only option here. If Strathmore won't sell/demolish/develop the property soon I'd be totally for the city taking it and using it as a park or something. Given the way Strathmore has handled things up until now I wouldn't be surprised to see the building sit there as-is for years if left to their own devices.
I read this earlier and laughed a little to myself. This property seems destined to disappoint, I supposed it's not worth saying much until they show off their new plans.
As I recall, but wasn't the bank building in foreclosure a year to two ago? But Strathmore kept getting extensions to get current on the property. Had the extensions not occurred, the bank building would be a non-issue with DTN presumably already owning it? To me that is frustrating...
Yeah, we were talking about it back in August 2005. Some of the most expensive real estate in East Lansing has sat vacant for almost 10 years now. It's also quite the eyesore. I don't know why the city was so quick to condemn Cedar Village and try to start the process of eminent domain there but is afraid to do the same here.
The City of East Lansing is considering selling the small park at the corner of the Abbot and Albert Streets to the developer of the Park District. This will need to go before a vote from the city's population first though. http://statenews.com/article/2014/06/fate-of-green-space-in-limbo
I think this park should stay. The Park District development is big enough, and keeping this as a park will ensure that there will be public space in the area throughout the future. I can only think of two "green spaces" in downtown East Lansing outside of Valley Court Park. There is this park and the tiny park connecting Grove Street. All other public spaces in downtown East Lansing have been paved over.
Yup, there is plenty of land, underused buildings and surface lots in and around downtown East Lansing, I can't imagine why they'd consider selling any park. If anything, it'd be nice to see the park get some improvements, I don't know EL too well but it seems like a pretty good spot to have a small park. I'm pretty sure this will meet plenty of resistance.
Comments
http://statenews.com/article/2014/04/park-district
http://statenews.com/article/2014/06/fate-of-green-space-in-limbo
I think this park should stay. The Park District development is big enough, and keeping this as a park will ensure that there will be public space in the area throughout the future. I can only think of two "green spaces" in downtown East Lansing outside of Valley Court Park. There is this park and the tiny park connecting Grove Street. All other public spaces in downtown East Lansing have been paved over.