Instead of dwelling on this dilemma I've started, and I apologize for sharing my observations, why don't we discuss what could be a middle ground on this instead of the 5 lane road versus the giant median? Surely there are alternatives we could all agree on. I think this is a significant stretch of road for downtown, the Westside and the city as a whole. There isn't going to be a one size fits all application.
@MichMatters To clarify, my point was that it's unproductive to directly address someone with language like "you're the one on the outside" followed by a silly emoji and call your opposition's statements "stupid and/or ignorant" followed by a cheeky "sorry". Do you not think that kind of tone discourages discussion? Especially coming from either of us?
...I'm genuinely curious what you mean by the "us" in the statement: "us agreeing with that the opposition to this project was completely non-sensical"? If you're implying forum members, I just want to clarify that I'm not part of "us". Many of the pro-keep-the-boulevard statements were certainly non sensical, but not all. Mostly there just seems to be confusion and misinformation. It's better to engage people than belittle them, at least save the belittling for in private
Today in the LSJ.com an artical pointed out that there will the need for at least 7,500 housing units in Greater Lansing due to many large employers opening new facilities that will offer thousands of new jobs. It seems like we are improving the infrastructure [roads drains power production sewers etc.] for that, but not in the housing area. My ideas about a new MLK which I think could be a two wide lane straight boulevard [in the path of old Logan Street] with wide sidewalks bike lanes, and smaller median with "Michigan left turns" and left turn lanes at traffic lights. This would open up a lot of space for housing development.
I hope that I have added some interesting opinions and observations. I am not an expert in any of these areas, but I do remember the old Logan Street which was very busy of course but full of life homes businesses and the thing that the big boulevard and M-99 projects never included which is people. These days a lot of folks will support or not support an issue having not much knowledge about the issue they are opining about. [support for Hamas, MAGA, all guns all the time, stop support for Ukraine, keep the boulevard] which make no sense to people on the other side of their position, I hope that I am not one of those people. I have been interested in Lansing development since I was a boy in the '60s. which is why I really enjoy this site. I don't think we really need "gate keepers" to keep people on subject, or pointing out someone's post if they find it inappropriate, as this is a casual discussion site, IMO not a professional site, so it's OK to be wrong about something or have it pointed out. I enjoy the more technical observations by folks who do know more about these issues than I do, but I believe there is a space for everyone expert or not. "Be nice" is my moto!
I'd agree with you @gbdinlansing. I'd love to see some hybrid of this plan. The median is huge, and 6 lanes are definitely not needed. Is it really necessary to removed the median? Any street in the area that has a middle lane is often used for many other purposes than what it's intended for. People use it for merging, passing, etc. I feel like a reduced median that maintains the Michigan lefts and reduced lanes would be safer and something most, on both sides of the argument, could get behind.
I'd think a four lane boulevard with a wider median than what the city was proposing should reasonably satisfy most parties, I'd be all for it. I generally like boulevards when there's space and a need for them.
Just an observation, I have had reason to travel on E. Michigan Ave and found that it looks really terrible with the trees all cut down. I would suppose there are not many who remember what Michigan Ave. looked like before those trees were planted in the '70s, but I do and that is how it looks today. No trees and a lot of shabby looking store fronts and homes. These features were less visible behind trees but now stand out again. After the street has been rebuilt it would be good if the city focused on the "bad teeth" on the avenue, renovating or building new retail space and housing. While I am hoping the street's improvements will help spur redevelopment when it is finished, I have sympathy for the businesses along the street during that process as it does not look very welcoming now. I also noticed the Jerusalem Bakery was closed and being renovated? I hope that is the case I really love that shop.
I can only imagine how the current Michigan Ave rehab would've went with Lansing Township controlling a few blocks. I had naively thought that the city and township had somehow managed to work together, I guess cooperation (thankfully) wasn't required.
I have been wondering what is holding up the repaving of E. Michigan by the Red Cedar development. All the water works are flowing, and it would seem all work except for the paving has been done. Does the Red Cedar development have a place name?
I was driving downtown to the City Market [very peaceful] and was happy to find Michigan Ave open. The drive after Frandor and 127 was very smooth with 2 lanes going west and a left turn lane and one east which seemed OK but this needs to be very well marked as it is different. The sidewalks look good they go right up to the businesses front doors. So, they are much wider, seems like a lot of tree spaces which will help a lot. Of course, they cut down all the trees, so it looks a little bleak right now. It is interesting to note the view goes all the way down to the Skyview with no trees. I also saw that a new business moved into the closed brewery on E Michigan, which is another brewery. I bet those on the avenue are very happy.
Comments
...I'm genuinely curious what you mean by the "us" in the statement: "us agreeing with that the opposition to this project was completely non-sensical"? If you're implying forum members, I just want to clarify that I'm not part of "us". Many of the pro-keep-the-boulevard statements were certainly non sensical, but not all. Mostly there just seems to be confusion and misinformation. It's better to engage people than belittle them, at least save the belittling for in private
I hope that I have added some interesting opinions and observations. I am not an expert in any of these areas, but I do remember the old Logan Street which was very busy of course but full of life homes businesses and the thing that the big boulevard and M-99 projects never included which is people. These days a lot of folks will support or not support an issue having not much knowledge about the issue they are opining about. [support for Hamas, MAGA, all guns all the time, stop support for Ukraine, keep the boulevard] which make no sense to people on the other side of their position, I hope that I am not one of those people. I have been interested in Lansing development since I was a boy in the '60s. which is why I really enjoy this site. I don't think we really need "gate keepers" to keep people on subject, or pointing out someone's post if they find it inappropriate, as this is a casual discussion site, IMO not a professional site, so it's OK to be wrong about something or have it pointed out. I enjoy the more technical observations by folks who do know more about these issues than I do, but I believe there is a space for everyone expert or not. "Be nice" is my moto!
Also, love your motto lol.
https://www.lansingmi.gov/697/Report-an-Issue-Through-Lansing-Connect