This thread is for Metro Lansing news (and discussion) not directly related to development. Post news on new businesses, local government matters, events and other local things here.
Wow, this is a terrible loss for South Washington and REO Town. With the Cadillac Club and Dave's gone, there is going to be a large gap in the block, and an even larger drop in the number of patrons heading to that retail district.
This may seem all bad, but if something nice is rebuilt with fat insurance check, it could be the best thing to happen to REO Town. REO Town is lacking any new construction and if something reasonably nice is built here it could be just what the area needs. I honestly think there is a pretty good chance Discount Dave will rebuild, it's just a question of what.
Okay, I have to rant!!! Regarding the cuts in the state budget announced today...and it is relevent to development in Lansing: $40 million cut for city revenue sharing...I am absolutely so utterly sick of this, we CAN'T touch the Corrections Department budget. Even though it's the largest part of the budget, Michigan pays more than other states for the same service and NO data shows it does anything for crime. Yet, it's always talked about as the "sacred cow." I am so *&#*%&#$*&#%^#%^ing ticked about this. We won't touch that budget but we'll kick our citys and their basic services (fire, police, etc.) when they're down but we won't touch that. This is sooooooo freak'n ridiculous. Sorry to get political, but Granholm absolutely sucks. She hasn't done anything that I drastically disagree during her tenure, but she has done virtually nothing significant to fix anything. She has no unique/novel ideas, won't push for anything to inspire hope, and after this today I just want her gone.
Sorry, maybe this clarification isn't needed, but just so no one freaks out...$40 million in city revenue sharing was cut statewide, not for just Lansing...it comes out to ~$1 million cut for Lansing from what I saw.
I would love to see some cuts in the corrections department, but I think that changes in some laws and sentencing guidelines would need to be changed before that became realistic.
I'm reviving this old thread rather than make a new one. I'd like to post more random news on new businesses or local government matter like below and not feel like I'm cluttering up the development threads.
The city is apparently about to change their parking fee structure to encourage using the ramps by making the ramps cheaper, the first hour will even be free. Street parking will now have no time limit, which I think will only be a potential problem on Washington Sq and Michigan Ave. The article below also talks about how the city is actively promoting to developers that they don't need to include parking in their projects because of the excess capacity in the city's ramps. All-in-all it seems like some positive efforts are being made.
I guess I can only blame myself as I've never been to the Lansing Art Gallery, but it is disappointing to see an organization like this struggle. It's a good sign for the city's culture or entertainment scenes. Does anyone remember why they moved from their glass front location at 113 S Washington? That seemed like a good spot for them, the Knapp's does not, as much as I love the building. Hopefully they can hang on, restructure, and maybe end up in a standalone building more appropriate for an art gallery someday. Here's that lack of a major philanthropist showing its teeth again.
That's too bad. My family and I used to spend a decent amount there, and found some great original stuff. However, most of what I remember is when they were at the Liberman Building. I only went a couple of times when they were I'm the basement of the Y, and never since they've moved to Knapps, though I'd mean to. I personally felt like they didn't have anything as appealing to me after their move from the Liberman Building. The venue was also a little dismal in the basement. All in all, it's too bad to hear though. I hope they can get it sorted and get a venue that's better for them. I wonder if something in Old Town would be better suited for them?
You make a good point, they probably would be better suited for Old Town. It'd be nice to have something of an art scene downtown as well but perhaps that's just not in the cards right now.
Comments
The city is apparently about to change their parking fee structure to encourage using the ramps by making the ramps cheaper, the first hour will even be free. Street parking will now have no time limit, which I think will only be a potential problem on Washington Sq and Michigan Ave. The article below also talks about how the city is actively promoting to developers that they don't need to include parking in their projects because of the excess capacity in the city's ramps. All-in-all it seems like some positive efforts are being made.
https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2024/09/04/lansing-parking-downtown-tickets-ramps-lots-meters-prices/74917051007/
https://www.lansingcitypulse.com/stories/lansing-art-gallery-suspends-operations-over-financial-problems,109479
I guess I can only blame myself as I've never been to the Lansing Art Gallery, but it is disappointing to see an organization like this struggle. It's a good sign for the city's culture or entertainment scenes. Does anyone remember why they moved from their glass front location at 113 S Washington? That seemed like a good spot for them, the Knapp's does not, as much as I love the building. Hopefully they can hang on, restructure, and maybe end up in a standalone building more appropriate for an art gallery someday. Here's that lack of a major philanthropist showing its teeth again.