As most of you are aware, the City of East Lansing is in the process of considering the City Center II Project which would redevelop a significant area of the downtown, specifically, the corner of Abbot and Grand River. Briefly, the proposed project would include residential, retail, restaurant, office and exhibition space. Another critical component of the project is a proposed parking structure that would be located just north of the project. In addition to attracting commerce and entertainment, a key objective of the residential portion is to fill a housing gap in the recent MSU graduate/empty nester market. In its 2006-2007 Strategic Priorities, the East Lansing City Council identified this need and stated its intent to explore alternatives.

In recent months concerns have been raised, particularly by residents of the Oakwood Neighborhood, regarding the scope and necessity of this project. Understandably, a project of this magnitude would and should be the subject of thoughtful discourse between the city and the community. To that end, city staff and City Council have and will continue to meet with, and solicit comments from interested parties. Thus far, City Center II has received initial review by the Senior Commission, Historic Commission and the Commission on the Environment. In addition, a well-attended public hearing was held during the Planning Commission meeting on February 13, 2008 (I encourage you to view replays of this meeting which are aired on Channel 22, at 9am, 2pm, 7pm and midnight daily until the next meeting).

City Planning staff have also discussed concerns with individual residents in person and over the phone. They are more than willing to field questions or to provide additional information upon request. If you would like to discuss this project with someone from planning, please call 517/319-6930 and ask for Darcy Schmitt or Tim Schmitt. You can also learn more about the project by returning to the City of East Lansing homepage and clicking on the link below that reads “City Center II Project.
Please note that this project is slated for review by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission on February 20 and the Transportation Commission on February 26th. On February 25th the Neighborhood Presidents meeting will be held in conjunction with the Glencairn/Oakwood Neighborhood meeting at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center – planning staff will be on hand to give a brief presentation and to receive comments from participants. The Planning Commission will take action during its February 27th meeting as will the Downtown Development Authority on February 28th. Going forward this project will again be taken up by the East Lansing City Council, Historic Commission and Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission. Please note that these meetings are open with time allotted for public comment. The tentative schedule is as follows:

March 3, 2008 –		City Council will Introduce & Set Public Hearing March 11, 2008 – City Council Work Session
March 13, 2008 –		Presentation before the Historic Commission
March 19, 2008 –		Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission
April 1, 2008 –		City Council Public Hearing
April 4, 2008 –		City Council Work Session
April 15, 2008 –		City Council Business Agenda