I saw the new public service buildings on S. Washington, and I was impressed by the size and look of the new facilities. I guess it makes the tiny city hall make more sense as many departments are now going to be in the new building. It also looks like a nicer design than the city hall, at least more interesting IMO. I had not been that way in a while, so it was disappointing to see that there as has been a further deuteration of the "Logan Center"? buildings like the dry cleaners and bank on the corner of MLK and Holmes. Are there plans for redevelopment going on there, it has been talked about in the past. I do like the supermarket there, lots of cool items from all over the world. Back downtown there was earth moving going on at the Ovation site yesterday, so perhaps that signals the beginning of construction at long last!
I'm not aware of anything going on with Logan Square, seems like I heard something in recent years but it escapes me, maybe some issues between the city and the property owner? I often forget the place even exists, despite growing up nearby we rarely visited anything there, I remember going to Big Lots and a couple dollar stores. The carnivals were good times as a kid.
Unrelated, but has there been any discussion on here about how property taxes in Lansing and their effect on residential development? Our property taxes are some of the highest in the state, and we have nothing to show for it. I understand it may be necessary because property values here are so low, but when you have a house of value in Lansing, you really notice it. It's hard to justify living here when I could live in any suburb in a larger home and pay less in taxes and get more. I'm a very liberal individual and constantly support taxes, but I really fail to understand what the city is doing with the money, even after looking through the budget.
My personal frustrations aside, how is it attractive for anyone on the outside to buy here? Or to retain those that live here currently? Our schools aren't great, our police department is terrible (despite police and fire having $100M budget), the mayor is as useless as can be...why would anyone want to pay ridiculous taxes to live in this parking crater.
This coming from someone that has lived here all their life and for whatever reason prefers it over other options. Yeah, this is a bit of a rant but I'm also curious where others stand. Do our taxes deter development? I know of one single family home developer that wants to focus on quality, affordable homes and infill lots but will only do surrounding communities because Lansing taxes are killer and ruin the affordability aspect. Which results in us having empty, unmaintained lots with next to no tax revenue...
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My personal frustrations aside, how is it attractive for anyone on the outside to buy here? Or to retain those that live here currently? Our schools aren't great, our police department is terrible (despite police and fire having $100M budget), the mayor is as useless as can be...why would anyone want to pay ridiculous taxes to live in this parking crater.
This coming from someone that has lived here all their life and for whatever reason prefers it over other options. Yeah, this is a bit of a rant but I'm also curious where others stand. Do our taxes deter development? I know of one single family home developer that wants to focus on quality, affordable homes and infill lots but will only do surrounding communities because Lansing taxes are killer and ruin the affordability aspect. Which results in us having empty, unmaintained lots with next to no tax revenue...