A recent viewpoint in the Lansing State Journal regarding recycling practices at the City’s Aquatic Center has prompted city staff to further review how we dispose of recyclable materials in city facilities. Before going any further, however, I would like to acknowledge William Lawrence who penned the viewpoint to which I refer called “EL must follow through on environment.” Mr. Lawrence sets a great... Read More »
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On June 16-17 I had an opportunity to meet with city administrators and police chiefs from Big Ten University Communities at a gathering in West Lafayette, Indiana. I traveled to and from the meeting with City Administrator Roger Fraser, my counterpart in the City of Ann Arbor. Since both of us serve large university communities, we had much in common to discuss, not the least of which is downtown... Read More »
As many of you know, the City of East Lansing initiated its successful Emerging Leaders Program (ELELP) in the fall of 2007. To date, approximately half of the 22 graduates have been appointed to one of the city’s 20+ sanctioned boards and commissions. All of the 2007 program graduates reported a very positive experience with the program. In addition to serving on boards and commissions, the 2007... Read More »
For the past six months or so, I have enjoyed blogging every few weeks on a variety of matters, some of which are straightforward and others that are weightier. I have always appreciated those who take the time to comment regardless of what position is taken and to date, every comment forwarded to me has been posted on this website. With very few exceptions, comments on my blogs have been... Read More »
There seems to be a perception by some that city employees drive into to town, work their 40 hours, collect a paycheck and hit the road. I am deeply concerned about the implication that members of staff are not invested public servants, but rather, resemble the carpetbaggers of old who set out to loot and plunder the post civil war south. Incidentally, this term has also been used to describe “outsiders... Read More »
During a recent City Council Work Session, representatives of Pierce Education Properties were on hand to give a presentation and answer questions from the public regarding the proposed East Village Project which is a 25 square acre, mixed-use development to be located between Bogue St. on the west, Stoddard Ave. on the east, the Red Cedar River on the south and Grand River Ave. on the north. The Pierce... Read More »
As promised in the most recent issue of the Dialog, I wanted to share with you a snapshot of the city’s budget process. In terms of the “101,” we are currently moving from budget preparation to the adoption phase. Budget preparation requires that each department assemble its budget and then meet with the finance director and myself to review and justify requests for fiscal year 2009 (which begins on... Read More »
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... Read More »
First of all, I hope that all of you had a safe and enjoyable holiday - it's hard to believe that 2007 went by so fast! 2007 brought with it the celebration of our Cityrsquo;s Centennial but also budgetary uncertainty at the state level, the impact of which was compounded by the overall economic downturn that has dogged Michigan for the past five years. Residential Sales in East Lansing As... Read More »
Looking Back This year has been an incredible year indeed, full of activities marking the centennial anniversary of the incorporation of the City of East Lansing. I sincerely hope that all of you have partaken in these activities and have felt the energy generated by this special celebration Moving Forward So how do we follow a year like 2007? Minus the fanfare of centennial celebrations,... Read More »