The Vacant Hotel is still not finished. I drive by it everyday on my commute to/from work. There is a sign out front that says 'Now Leasing', but the doors to the building and some windows are boarded up. Somewhat disappointing. My assumption is, if the project is still on, the developers (not sure who they are off hand) are going at a slow pace due to finances.
For the proposed hospital, I don't think that location is too bad. If does have good freeway access as mentioned, and Collins Rd most times of the day is not busy. Any new hospital should be on the east side of town, I think, and the article indicated that any hospital relocation has to be within 2 miles from the old location (which the Collins Rd location is from Penn). I have longed hoped that MSU would open its own hospital, but always assumed it would be along Service Road, near the existing Clinical Center.
Yeah the location is really odd though. It's not built well in to the existing mass transit. The ideal location would be along the BRT route and close to a population center, not directly across the street from presumably permanent corn fields.
The location also isn't that great for biking either, and basically requires that all hospital employees drive to work there.
The legislature could always pass a new law granting exemption or a larger radius for the move if it was required. That is a larger hurdle but doesn't seem like it would face much backlash.
The new paint and lighting are so beautiful, the dome looks like it glows from inside. How did they ever agree on this and find the money? It does not strike me as something the Repubs. would be interested in.
It was my understanding at the time that the new visitors center would be financed by taking out bonds which would be paid back through the Capitol's new maintenance budget. I'm just speculating, but I'd guess the reason the project was postponed was in order to do some of the other maintenance work first, once that's wrapped up I'd guess the visitors center will be back on the table.
It will be nice to have the surface lot removed, and maybe then the law makers will get some exercise when they have to walk a bit further to get to their car. I have read that exercise helps brain function}. The plans for the visitor center could less bunker like if they do ever build the center.
Regarding the visitors center funding, the Michigan strategic fund is involved in taking out the bonds but they will be paid for through the tobacco tax funded Capitol facilities budget. I'd think that fact bodes well for the future of this project.
The work can be funded now thanks to a new, $3 million annual budget established this year for Capitol renovations and upkeep. Before the law setting aside a portion of tobacco tax revenue was passed this summer, upkeep depended on the yearly whim of legislators.
With a yearly budget set, the commission can seek bonds through the Michigan Strategic Fund to be repaid with tobacco taxes, said John Truscott, a Lansing public relations executive and member of the commission.
Comments
For the proposed hospital, I don't think that location is too bad. If does have good freeway access as mentioned, and Collins Rd most times of the day is not busy. Any new hospital should be on the east side of town, I think, and the article indicated that any hospital relocation has to be within 2 miles from the old location (which the Collins Rd location is from Penn). I have longed hoped that MSU would open its own hospital, but always assumed it would be along Service Road, near the existing Clinical Center.
The location also isn't that great for biking either, and basically requires that all hospital employees drive to work there.
The legislature could always pass a new law granting exemption or a larger radius for the move if it was required. That is a larger hurdle but doesn't seem like it would face much backlash.
From LSJ 12/30/2014 - $88M Capitol Welcome Center announced