Local Businesses

Above: Eliot Singer

When one thinks about influential people in city governmental affairs, one might picture local elected officials, high-ranking city staff, or maybe wealthy business owners. What one probably wouldn’t picture is someone like Eliot Singer: a bespectacled, white-bearded folklorist, often spotted crossing campus and town with the aid of his walking sticks.

Image: Richard Crittenden outside his home with one of the yard signs he had produced

The Lansing Board of Water and Light (BWL) has filed a lawsuit against the East Lansing homeowner who initiated a yard sign campaign to push back against what that homeowner called an overly aggressive “vegetation management” campaign by the electric utility.

Image: Architect’s drawing of the structure planned for the northwest corner of Grand River and Spartan Avenues

East Lansing’s City Council has approved a proposal to build a new six-story building at the northwest corner of Grand River and Spartan Avenues, and the developer says he will soon be back to ask for Brownfield Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to help finance construction.

Above: Architect’s drawing of the planned new building

Over strong objections from people who live across from the project site, East Lansing’s City Council last night approved plans for a new Lake Trust Credit Union building on the southeast corner of the Lake Lansing Meijer parking lot. The vote was 4-0 in favor.

Having just been there, I can report that the East Lansing Farmers’ Market, which is open until 2 pm today, has an abundance of local fare to offer today.

Strawberries and rhubarb can be had, and if you’re too busy or lazy to make your own pie, there is also a pie vendor selling a wide assortment of favorites. You can get locally-farmed maple syrup to put with those strawberries on some French toast tomorrow morning. And the bourbon-flavored syrup tastes like it would be terrific on grilled pork. (See below on meats.)

ELi's Abigail Heath explains the history of the MSU Dairy Store and what makes it different from most ice cream stores.

Peter Graham, who grew up in East Lansing, explains why he still goes to Arkie's, even though he doesn't have much hair left to cut these days.

As ELi's Rosalind Arch explains, built in the 1920’s, Coral Gables was originally owned and operated as a dance hall and show bar with live entertainment.

If you make Indian food with any regularity, you will find here every exotic ingredient you’ve ever needed for a recipe.

ELi's Peyton Lombardo brings us the history of an East Lansing landmark.

Sweet Lorraine’s Mac n’ Cheez is suitable for everyone from grandparents to toddlers, and seems especially well-suited for a quick meal that isn’t junk food.

ELi's Ashley Griffin and Ann Nichols team up to bring you Sympathy for the Devil.