Government

What might happen if "too many" rental apartments are built in and near East Lansing's downtown? And where are families supposed to rent? ELi's Noa Kuszai and Alice Dreger report on discussion from East Lansing's Planning Commission.

In an unprecedented move, East Lansing Judge Richard Ball tells ELi what he thinks is just plain wrong with what Mayor Mark Meadows told the Lansing City Pulse last week about possible court consolidation.

Tuesday, East Lansing’s City Council will be talking about a citizen review board for complaints against police and fire officers, and discussing what to do with land sales. Representatives from Royal Vlahakis are also scheduled to appear. What’s up?

Things got a little wild this week as East Lansing City Council members debated who or what deserves precious tax dollars. Even that retaining wall made a ghostly appearance. ELi’s Alice Dreger brings you the action.

What happens if Council does decide officially to remove Valley Court Park from the Oakwood Historic District?

East Lansing’s City Council has voted 4-1 in favor of shrinking the Oakwood Historic District, including by removing all of Valley Court Park. The move comes in preparation for expected redevelopment. ELi's Dan Totzkay reports.

Downtown restaurants and bars with outdoor seating could see noise rules relaxed if a pair of recommendations are adopted by Council. What’s the goal of relaxing the rules? ELi’s Jessy Gregg and Alice Dreger report.

The Lansing branch of the NAACP has formally come out against consolidation of the local district courts citing the potential to jeopardize diverse representation on our court benches and in jury pools.

Why not put out for bids the publicly-owned properties on Evergreen Avenue? ELi's Alice Dreger explains why some believe that staying in an exclusive contract with Royal Vlahakis makes sense.

Still absent a real site plan, East Lansing's Downtown Development Authority voted 8 to 1 yesterday to keep giving an exclusive opportunity to Royal Vlahakis on the Evergreen Avenue properties. ELi's Chris Root reports.

A proposed state bill on short-term rentals like Airbnb is birthing two controversies in East Lansing – one over the bill itself, and another over the use of local taxpayer resources to push one side of a partisan debate. ELi's Alice Dreger reports.

ELi asked human residents of East Lansing to take a survey on our area's resident deer. Are they a joy, or a nuisance, or both? Should Council now authorize a strategic cull? Brad Minor brings you the responses. 

There is “nothing to gain” from the consolidation of the local district courts, the Friends of Ingham County Veterans’ Treatment Court say in a new letter. The group is urging East Lansing's City Council to reject consolidation. ELi's Dan Totzkay reports.

What happened at today's Downtown Development Authority meeting, as developers Royal Vlahakis tried to save their exclusive deal with East Lansing's DDA? ELi's Alice Dreger reports.

Last night, amid a tense and sometimes ugly scene, City Council decided which company would get the coveted right to open a retail marijuana operation along Grand River Avenue in East Lansing. ELi's Alice Dreger reports.