Catch Up On Our Reporting From This Week
What's been going on in East Lansing?
A new school year is upon us, as downtown East Lansing is bustling with the return of Michigan State University students.
Later tonight, the city will host its annual ExtravaGRANDza event downtown to celebrate the new school year. Before heading to the festivities, catch up with ELi’s reporting from this week.
Developer asks Ingham County court to overturn apartment denial.
Last month, the City Council denied a site plan from a developer attempting to build a 10-story apartment where the Bailey Street Parking Lot sits. Now, the developer has moved to appeal the denial, arguing the project was compliant with local zoning and did not require site plan approval. Managing Editor Luke Day wrote about the litigation.
Police to deploy helicopter, drones as MSU students return for new school year.
In a Friday news release, the ELPD announced a helicopter and drones will be deployed during Michigan State University’s welcome weekend, where students celebrate a return to campus. Capt. Adrian Ojerio explained the helicopter will travel at Michigan State Police’s discretion and other details about the department’s plans. Deputy Editor Anna Liz Nichols and Luke bring the details.
Promoting sustainability at the library and beyond.
The East Lansing Public Library is nearing a prestigious certification for sustainability practices. As part of the certification process, the library has launched a number of initiatives, from promoting healthy recycling habits to helping people repair and reuse old clothes to harvesting fresh produce. Reporter Ayah Imran wrote about the library’s efforts.
Restaurant roundup: Latest on pizza shops, Sheetz, more planned for East Lansing.
Several long-anticipated restaurants in East Lansing are finally moving closer to opening, while other projects have stalled, closed shortly after opening or failed to materialize. Get the latest on a planned Sheetz, the recently closed Savvy Sliders and other restaurants that could soon come to East Lansing in Ayah’s reporting.
A community watch group is monitoring ELPD as MSU students return to East Lansing.
Amid a series of compounding controversies surrounding the East Lansing Police Department, a community watch group has begun monitoring the actions of officers downtown on busy nights. Besides watching police actions, the group, which was also present for a few weekends last year, passes out items like condoms and water and work to foster positive relationships with young people downtown. Find out more in Anna’s reporting.
Listen: East Lansing announces finalists for first-ever songwriting contest, event details.
After accepting submissions earlier this year, East Lansing has released the eight songs that are finalists in the city’s songwriting contest, where musicians were invited to create songs about East Lansing. In September, the artists will perform their songs at an event downtown, where an audience vote and judging panel will select a winner. Reporter Dustin DuFort Petty wrote about the contest.
Red Cedar yard sale to be held this weekend.
Red Cedar Neighborhood community members and houses of worship are coming together to hold a community yard sale. Dustin wrote about what to expect at the sale, and why organizers say the primary goal is bringing people together. Read Dustin’s story here.
Three city meetings are scheduled for next week.
There are just a few city meetings to kick off September. Wednesday (Sept. 2), the Zoning Board of Appeals and Police Oversight Commission will each meet. Thursday (Sept. 3), the Downtown Management Board convenes. When meeting agendas are posted, they can be found here.
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