The March Toward Spring

I am absolutely positive that spring is right around the corner!  The days are a little longer and the sun seems just a little brighter.  I am optimistic about our weather and I am optimistic about our ward!

Items of Interest from our New Neighborhood Resource Person

The City of Lansing has hired a neighborhood resource person--her name is Andi Crawford and she has hit the ground running. You may contact Andi at Andi.Crawford@lansingmi.gov. The following are a couple of pieces of information from Andi: 

"If you haven't reviewed the MiNeighborhood opportunity, see the link below. I am available to provide grant strategizing and writing support if your organizations or neighborhoods want to explore this opportunity:  http://www.michigan.gov/mshda/0,4641,7-141-45746_67426---,00.html"

"The Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Board is seeking new members. We have 5 slots to fill and this board will be responsible for the administration of the grant process and the new mini-grant program through Cities of Service. Please send me your ideas for new leaders. We're looking for some energy as we launch into this new era of mini-grants!"

"The Bea Christy Award nomination packets will be sent out electronically on Monday. We are working to move most ticket sales on line, although there will be a paper format available. In addition to the Bea Christy Award, we are also seeking nominations for the new Emerging Leaders Award, and the Mary Margaret Murphy Woll Award. Details and criteria will be in the packet."

Please contact Andi with any questions and/or ideas.

Council Meeting 02/23/15

At Monday night’s council meeting, the council unanimously passed the purchase and sell agreement and development agreement for the Red Cedar project.  This does not mean that there will be shovels in the ground in May, but it does set the stage for the beginning of the project.  On an up-note, I have been told that national developers were amazed at how well the process and vote went with the administration, council, and the public.  This clearly says that Lansing is ready for business!

Further, we swore in our new council member, Vincent Delgado.  I think he will be an asset to the council.  As with everyone, there will be a learning curve, but I am certain he will do his research and make informed decisions.  If you happen to run into him, please introduce yourself.  He is, after all, representing you as an at-large member.

Meetings & Events Coming Up This Week

Please remember to attend our 1^st Contact meeting this Saturday, March 7, 10:30 to noon at the Allen Market Place located at 1629 E. Kalamazoo.  Come in the back door.

Following the 1^st Contact is the ENO Souper!  This will be held March 7, 4:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Have a great week!

--Jody

June 1st Contact Wrap-Up

First, I want to thank everyone who took the time from their beautiful Saturday mornings to attend our 1^st Contact Meeting.  I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate folks at these meetings, sharing what's on their minds. 

Outfield Stadium Project

We had quite a lively discussion regarding the Outfield Stadium project.  It seems there is quite a bit of excitement surrounding the project.  This is a new and innovative project that is getting national attention.  We were able to have some discussion regarding the market need for more apartments in downtown Lansing.  What I was able to share is that the Stadium District is 97-100% full at all times.  The Prudden Place Project is 97-100% full at all times, as is The Avenue Loft project.  The Market Place project is not finished, and 19 of the 88 units are already leased.  Further, roughly 18 of the 60 units of the Mid Town Project area also already leased.  The last two projects are not even finished.  I think this clearly shows that we have the market for this type of housing in downtown Lansing.

Parks

I had the opportunity to discuss the lack of mowing in our parks.  Apparently, we are having issues with some of the contract people, and we are behind schedule.  The attendees asked if there would be a problem with residents taking it upon themselves to tend to some of the parks in their area.  I assured them that I saw no problem with it.  I know the people around Cavanaugh Park took it upon themselves to beautify that park.  I always think it is a good idea when people of the city pitch in and just take care of some things that they notice.

Allen Neighborhood Center

There will be a presentation on home ownership at the Allen Neighborhood Center's Active Neighboring Cafe on June 14 from 10 a.m-noon.  There are more than 80 homes for sale on the east side.  This will be a presentation and resource fair on buying a home on the east side.  This is going to be a very cool presentation, and I would strongly encourage folks to contact Denise at 367-2468 or at denisep@allenneighborhoodcenter.org.

Chores for me

This is one of the best things that come out of the meetings.  I have the opportunity to listen to constituents and find out what is happening in their neighborhoods.  This month, the constituents have given me several items for which they would like to see action.

Rest assured, I am on it!

February 1st Contact Wrap-Up

Thank you to everyone who braved the elements this past Saturday for our 1st Contact meeting. 

The Avenue 

We had lively conversation and were joined by Dennis Louney--First Ward Commissioner for the Board of Water and Light--and Gilbert White.

Dennis Louney briefed our group on the progress that the BWL is making toward reviewing the outage event and what went wrong.  

Dennis Louney speaks to First Warders

Mr. Louney has offered for anyone to contact him at any time, should you have any questions.  His number is: 721-1148. 

BWL Community Review Team Forums:

• February 5, 2014 7:00 p.m.  -  Hannah Community Center (819 Abbot Road)
• February 6, 2014 7:00 p.m.  -  Pattengill Middle School (626 Marshall Street)
• February 7, 2014 7:00 p.m.  -  Delta Township (Delta Township Hall, 7710 W Saginaw Highway, Meeting Room

Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper

Gilbert White gave a presentation on his placemaking project that turns public spaces into small, cool areas.  

Gilbert White discusses "Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper"

Some of the ideas include “play me” piano on the Avenue, seating and tables, solar lighting in trees, and other light and cheap projects.  These are short-term experimental intervention in public spaces.  They are low risk and low cost.  Local residents can assist with different parts of the project.  Mr. White has received grants and has MSU students working with him.  He is currently meeting with business owners on the Avenue. 

Capitol Corridor Regional Vision – Summary Presentation

The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission is holding a community presentation summarizing the results of the two-week charrette on the Michigan Avenue/Grand River Avenue Corridor. The presentation will be held:

Wednesday, February 26^th

Hannah Community Center

819 Abbot Rd, East Lansing

5:30 pm:  Registration & Appetizers

5:45 pm:  Presentation begins

7:00 pm:  Tri-County Commission Meeting

(begins with public comments and questions)

For more information: www.migrand-charrette.com

"Grizzly Bear" at The Avenue

Jody