I don't like the out of the way location that they're choosing at all, but I wouldn't want a Costco or similar big box store anywhere in the urban core either. I think that the former Waverly golf course would've been about perfect but Lansing twp ensured that wont happen. I'm glad to see a Costco coming to town though, I haven't shopped there but I've heard nothing good things about them.
I think a great place for a Costco would be the big lot on Lake Lansing Rd. next to Eastwood, keep the big boxes in the same neighborhood.
Does East Lansing have a downtown business association? Maybe they would be the ones to write on bad street and sidewalk issue.
I have been thinking that such associations could be offered paving materials from a city for free or at a discount and then contract repaving and cleaning of the streets in front of the local businesses or homes in neighborhoods themselves. I think some of the legalities could be worked out regarding public streets if it is really just a repair and maintenance not rebuilding the street. Local institutions like MSU and LCC take care of their public ways much better, I think maybe a homeowner's or business owner's association could be thought of the same way as an institution and be allowed repair and clean the their local public ways. I think that it is terrible that we should have to consider such an idea but I read that to fix the roads here in Michigan is going to take until 2024 and cost 15 billion dollars. Are we just suppose just wait?
Costco sucks. Never been to one but I know it sucks. It does seem to be a destination so I agree with Jared - having it near downtown Lansing would bring a lot of people to the core of the city. Anywhere else is just contributing to nasty sprawl, bad driving habits, and an already dated sense of what's important to a community. Way to stay fitteen years behind the times EL!
Still stand behind the content of my comment though. If you have differing opinion I'd be happy to hear. Sometimes I like to present a more extreme take on something to elicit responses. I know that it's hard to gauge tone in online forums so sometimes this backfires and works against my very goal. Just know that I change my mind and opinions all the time and certainly do not want to intimidate or offend.
Not entirely sure what you're responding to in my comment above?
Hmmm. Okay, let me try to explain myself better --
"Costco sucks."
This is me being angsty, callous, and (admittedly) immature. It is my gut reaction to Costco and is indeed how I feel.
"Never been to one but I know it sucks."
This is me discrediting myself and continuing the 4th grade tone so that no one takes me too seriously in this part.
"It does seem to be a destination...."
This is me turning around and sharing a thoughtful stance on the location of Costco in this region.
My comment may have been a little complex/weird/flippant, whatever. I'm entitled to be as critical of Costco as I want - it is just a 'thing' - and I refuse to apologize to Costco :) I would never directly try to insult an actual person in this same way, so I do not appreciate being called immature. I don't think anyone on here would. (Plus I get it enough from my mom).
I've been thinking critically about cities/built environment for 25-years. I've been working directly in this field for 15-years. This is my hometown and I care a lot about this stuff. I know that you all do too and I appreciate the forum.
@ MichMatters While I don't agree with MJ''s initial comment, your reply didn't help. I think everyone can agree that we all want more people to actively participate here and taking that kind of tone doesn't help that cause.
@MJ I've never been to Costco but (taking aside the big box store/large corporation aspect) I've heard anecdotally and through Consumers Reports that Costco is among the best stores to shop at. Also, in many of Consumers Reports tests their store brand products are rated highly and often cheaper than the other options. I've always noticed that and kinda wanted a Costco here. I'm just saying objectively, they're a good place, nothing like Wal-Mart at all.
Thanks Hood. I've heard good things about Costco too. I just generally dislike big-box stores. But they are a reality and people love them so maybe it's foolish to try to fight that fight.
In this instance, I'm afraid they will directly compete with Fresh Thyme and Whole Foods - stores that have intentionally located on public transit lines and within walking/biking distance of population centers. To me this is a great trend and I'd like to see these kind of businesses succeed here.
Comments
Does East Lansing have a downtown business association? Maybe they would be the ones to write on bad street and sidewalk issue.
I have been thinking that such associations could be offered paving materials from a city for free or at a discount and then contract repaving and cleaning of the streets in front of the local businesses or homes in neighborhoods themselves. I think some of the legalities could be worked out regarding public streets if it is really just a repair and maintenance not rebuilding the street. Local institutions like MSU and LCC take care of their public ways much better, I think maybe a homeowner's or business owner's association could be thought of the same way as an institution and be allowed repair and clean the their local public ways. I think that it is terrible that we should have to consider such an idea but I read that to fix the roads here in Michigan is going to take until 2024 and cost 15 billion dollars. Are we just suppose just wait?
Not entirely sure what you're responding to in my comment above?
"Costco sucks. Never been to one but I know it sucks."
"Costco sucks."
This is me being angsty, callous, and (admittedly) immature. It is my gut reaction to Costco and is indeed how I feel.
"Never been to one but I know it sucks."
This is me discrediting myself and continuing the 4th grade tone so that no one takes me too seriously in this part.
"It does seem to be a destination...."
This is me turning around and sharing a thoughtful stance on the location of Costco in this region.
My comment may have been a little complex/weird/flippant, whatever. I'm entitled to be as critical of Costco as I want - it is just a 'thing' - and I refuse to apologize to Costco :) I would never directly try to insult an actual person in this same way, so I do not appreciate being called immature. I don't think anyone on here would. (Plus I get it enough from my mom).
I've been thinking critically about cities/built environment for 25-years. I've been working directly in this field for 15-years. This is my hometown and I care a lot about this stuff. I know that you all do too and I appreciate the forum.
@MJ I've never been to Costco but (taking aside the big box store/large corporation aspect) I've heard anecdotally and through Consumers Reports that Costco is among the best stores to shop at. Also, in many of Consumers Reports tests their store brand products are rated highly and often cheaper than the other options. I've always noticed that and kinda wanted a Costco here. I'm just saying objectively, they're a good place, nothing like Wal-Mart at all.
In this instance, I'm afraid they will directly compete with Fresh Thyme and Whole Foods - stores that have intentionally located on public transit lines and within walking/biking distance of population centers. To me this is a great trend and I'd like to see these kind of businesses succeed here.