William Matt
It is my pledge to always seek justice on behalf of the City of Lansing. As your neighbor, I will work diligently to find responsible solutions to our challenges, and lead with a vision guided by a hope of an ever-better city.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
T-Mobile files suit against Lansing
Remember that cell phone tower that was proposed back in the fall for Grand View Manor?
Yep, that's the one, and in case your forgot (LINKY).
In September I wrote this: Cell Tower Issue Grandhaven Manor has proposed a t-mobile cell tower in the woods near Lewton Rich and Averill neighborhoods, near Lewton Elementary School. Again, neighborhood activism has produced organized opposition. What a great democratic nation we live in! I don't support the tower there, and I think that at least 4 Council Members will oppose it...I...would support setting up a master plan for tower placement in the city.
This week, Council Committee of the Whole will be discussing the suit, in closed session, Thursday.
So apparently the reasons for denying the permit by Development and Planning Committee Chair Brian Jeffries has exposed the city to a suit. Most large companies would not pursue the matter if there was not a legal basis for it, so I'm going to go out on a limb and say if this goes to court, the city will lose. We may end up with the tower after all, and maybe some monetary damages as well. I sure hope Brian didn't goof any other matters up (cough)hunters ridge(cough)!
On top of this suit, I thought we came out of the Lewton Rich meeting last year resolved to develop a master plan for cell towers in the city. At the time, I was furious for Carol Wood throwing the Planning Department under the bus for having a plan that was ten years old, this despite the fact that since serving on council for eight years, Carol never did a single thing about moving a new plan forward or suggesting changes. It was typical 20/20 hindsight Carol. Now, dear readers, I ask you, who will hold the present council power brokers responsible for their inaction in moving forward with a new cell tower plan. It's been 4 months, and counting. Until we have something on the books, T-Mobile and every other cell provider will be planting cell towers in our city and we won't ba able to stop them.
Labels: brian jeffries, Carol Wood, cell tower, lansing city council, t-mobile
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
City Pulse scoops LSJ, again.
Props to the Lansing City Pulse for again doing investigative work and informing readers of a big story right here in our back yard.
The Our Savior Lutheran post following this one hit the Pulse today. It is not up online yet, but should be later today at: City Pulse Online Link.
While the story soft shoed neighbor concerns and the complete lack of neighbor notification, it did add some important notes. First, our Council member A'lynne Robinson is at least aware of the project and heard from her neighbors "they were concerned about what the center's presence would say about southwest Lansing".
No, frankly that is one of the least of our neighbors concerns. What we are concerned about is that increased troubled youths might bring with them a whole host of problems such as criminal activity, illegal drug use, and disruptive behavior that will spill over into our neighborhoods making our kids less safe and have a negative impact on our neighborhoods and homes. I'm less worried about the image it will portray to other Lansing residents.
Robinson continued she "was surprised to learn that 40% of the teens targeted for the school actually live in the vicinity of the Holmes Road location."
I'm not surprised, and neither are the neighbors on the South side.
Anyhoo... The article goes on to say that the Ingham juvenile system had a consultant indicate the system was doing poorly on numerous fronts, including the use of overly punitive measures.
The article shares that the plan will need Lansing City Council approval for rezoning before it can become a reality. That's good, because Lansing residents will now have more of an opportunity to express their concerns if they have any.
The Our Savior Lutheran post following this one hit the Pulse today. It is not up online yet, but should be later today at: City Pulse Online Link.
While the story soft shoed neighbor concerns and the complete lack of neighbor notification, it did add some important notes. First, our Council member A'lynne Robinson is at least aware of the project and heard from her neighbors "they were concerned about what the center's presence would say about southwest Lansing".
No, frankly that is one of the least of our neighbors concerns. What we are concerned about is that increased troubled youths might bring with them a whole host of problems such as criminal activity, illegal drug use, and disruptive behavior that will spill over into our neighborhoods making our kids less safe and have a negative impact on our neighborhoods and homes. I'm less worried about the image it will portray to other Lansing residents.
Robinson continued she "was surprised to learn that 40% of the teens targeted for the school actually live in the vicinity of the Holmes Road location."
I'm not surprised, and neither are the neighbors on the South side.
Anyhoo... The article goes on to say that the Ingham juvenile system had a consultant indicate the system was doing poorly on numerous fronts, including the use of overly punitive measures.
The article shares that the plan will need Lansing City Council approval for rezoning before it can become a reality. That's good, because Lansing residents will now have more of an opportunity to express their concerns if they have any.
Labels: A'Lynne Robinson, Ingham County Commission, lansing city council, OSL
Friday, March 7, 2008
County Facility for "Deliquent & Disturbed Youth" at OSL
Recently I was notified, via email last Wednesday, of a meeting that same night at Our Savior Lutheran Church & School on Holmes Street. The meeting was to inform neighbors and concerned citizens of a planned Ingham County facility for the church property, after the church moves to Delta Township this summer. I was not able to attend this meeting due to the short notice, so I can't say what the proceedings were or the what the support or opposition from the neighbors was. Nor have I seen anything reported in the LSJ or local TV news about the plan.
My curiosity was stoked again earlier this week when I received another email regarding the Lewton Rich Neighborhood Association planned for Thursday, March 27 that would feature a Lansing Police representative to discuss the proposed county facility. Attached to this meeting notice was the notification letter from the county regarding the meeting from the previous week. This was the first and only official notice I saw, and it was after the fact. Since I live on the first block of Boston, off Pleasant Grove approximately 1/2 mile from the facility on Holmes, and just a block away from a portion of "Victor Woods", the green space with trails that runs between MLK, Holmes, and adjacent to our neighborhood Colonial Village, I think that our neighborhood would be brought into the planning loop by the County for this facility. In fact, the tenor of the Lewton Rich email notice, a neighborhood further North and West of Colonial Village, was of alarm, and claimed that neighbors should attend and speak out as the facility is in our neighborhood.
So I wanted to find a little background info on the facility proposal. In a resolution adopted December 11, 2007 (LINK) the county authorized "THE PURCHASE OF OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOUSING THE CONTINUUM OF CARE FACILITY". Now, some may claim that the title of this post is alarmist or sensational, but I took it directly from the first Whereas: "WHEREAS, the Circuit Court has previously proposed that the County consider a Juvenile Assessment Center and a Continuum of Care Facility that would house and treat delinquent and disturbed youth in Ingham County".
Additionally, in the next few sentences I found "this facility is proposed to house a full scope of services (e.g., prevention, intervention, aftercare, and sanctions) and include a variety of programs and services: Alternative Day School and After School Program, Family Assessment and Treatment Center, Substance Abuse Services, Mental Health Services, among others".
Now, back to the letter that was sent to some people. The letter begins "We are writing to share some exciting news for our community..." Yes, I can feel the excitement. In fact it is so exciting, that there are last minute, little noticed meetings, and no media coverage, that it literally screams excitement!
Not that there is anything neighbors or apparently the City can or will do even if there is 100% resident and neighbor opposition. I get the feeling this is a done deal. The letter states that our help and feedback is sought as they "implement a plan". That doesn't sound like there are any decisions still to be made. Nor does the original linked resolution seem vague about the purpose. To authorize 1.975 million dollars for the purchase of the property, and to: "begin operating the Continuum of Care Facility by the start of the 2008 - 2009 fall school year."
So this thing looks like a done deal, and I don't want to disparage the plan or idea, but I do feel a bit, no strike that, I feel totally left out of the communications loop by the County, and that is unfortunate. I am a pretty astute observer of local happenings, so I can imagine how other neighbors will feel when they hear about this plan.
I think if done right, this is an asset for Lansing. To get this type of investment in our community to help at risk and under performing youth is admirable. In fact, a lot of what I heard from neighbors last year on the campaign trail was that delinquent and sometimes violent or belligerent kids were running amok in the neighborhoods causing all kind of havoc. How are we best able to address some of these kids behavior problems without investing in programs and facilities. I think it is an ideal location, right in the heart of the South Side of Lansing. In addition, I would much rather have a structured program run by Ingham County, one of the better run local municipalities, than to have an abandoned and empty property.
I should add a disclaimer here as well. Both of my two older boys attend Our Savior School and we are members of the church. We expect to continue sending them to OSL at the new Delta facility in the fall. I have spend literally hundreds of hours inside and around that facility. It needs some work, but it is a wonderful property.
So a good and needed program, and a nice local site. What's my problem?
My problem is the remarkable lack of notice. Like I said, it's not like I don't know our County Commissioners, I know just about all 16 on a first name basis and serve with them on various commissions and boards. I live just blocks away. I sent an email earlier today to Dale Copedge, our District 6 Commissioner who lives a couple street over from me. I asked Dale if there were any more public forums being scheduled. If Dale doesn't know that Lewton Rich and Colonial Village, two of the largest and most powerful associations in Lansing were not fully noticed and are sending alarming emails, then he just didn't do a good job communicating with us. I haven't heard back from Dale, but I will let you know if I do. For those neighbors opposed to the program, I suggest you contact your Commissioners and City Councilmembers. Especially Dale and A'lynne Robinson.
My curiosity was stoked again earlier this week when I received another email regarding the Lewton Rich Neighborhood Association planned for Thursday, March 27 that would feature a Lansing Police representative to discuss the proposed county facility. Attached to this meeting notice was the notification letter from the county regarding the meeting from the previous week. This was the first and only official notice I saw, and it was after the fact. Since I live on the first block of Boston, off Pleasant Grove approximately 1/2 mile from the facility on Holmes, and just a block away from a portion of "Victor Woods", the green space with trails that runs between MLK, Holmes, and adjacent to our neighborhood Colonial Village, I think that our neighborhood would be brought into the planning loop by the County for this facility. In fact, the tenor of the Lewton Rich email notice, a neighborhood further North and West of Colonial Village, was of alarm, and claimed that neighbors should attend and speak out as the facility is in our neighborhood.
So I wanted to find a little background info on the facility proposal. In a resolution adopted December 11, 2007 (LINK) the county authorized "THE PURCHASE OF OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOUSING THE CONTINUUM OF CARE FACILITY". Now, some may claim that the title of this post is alarmist or sensational, but I took it directly from the first Whereas: "WHEREAS, the Circuit Court has previously proposed that the County consider a Juvenile Assessment Center and a Continuum of Care Facility that would house and treat delinquent and disturbed youth in Ingham County".
Additionally, in the next few sentences I found "this facility is proposed to house a full scope of services (e.g., prevention, intervention, aftercare, and sanctions) and include a variety of programs and services: Alternative Day School and After School Program, Family Assessment and Treatment Center, Substance Abuse Services, Mental Health Services, among others".
Now, back to the letter that was sent to some people. The letter begins "We are writing to share some exciting news for our community..." Yes, I can feel the excitement. In fact it is so exciting, that there are last minute, little noticed meetings, and no media coverage, that it literally screams excitement!
Not that there is anything neighbors or apparently the City can or will do even if there is 100% resident and neighbor opposition. I get the feeling this is a done deal. The letter states that our help and feedback is sought as they "implement a plan". That doesn't sound like there are any decisions still to be made. Nor does the original linked resolution seem vague about the purpose. To authorize 1.975 million dollars for the purchase of the property, and to: "begin operating the Continuum of Care Facility by the start of the 2008 - 2009 fall school year."
So this thing looks like a done deal, and I don't want to disparage the plan or idea, but I do feel a bit, no strike that, I feel totally left out of the communications loop by the County, and that is unfortunate. I am a pretty astute observer of local happenings, so I can imagine how other neighbors will feel when they hear about this plan.
I think if done right, this is an asset for Lansing. To get this type of investment in our community to help at risk and under performing youth is admirable. In fact, a lot of what I heard from neighbors last year on the campaign trail was that delinquent and sometimes violent or belligerent kids were running amok in the neighborhoods causing all kind of havoc. How are we best able to address some of these kids behavior problems without investing in programs and facilities. I think it is an ideal location, right in the heart of the South Side of Lansing. In addition, I would much rather have a structured program run by Ingham County, one of the better run local municipalities, than to have an abandoned and empty property.
I should add a disclaimer here as well. Both of my two older boys attend Our Savior School and we are members of the church. We expect to continue sending them to OSL at the new Delta facility in the fall. I have spend literally hundreds of hours inside and around that facility. It needs some work, but it is a wonderful property.
So a good and needed program, and a nice local site. What's my problem?
My problem is the remarkable lack of notice. Like I said, it's not like I don't know our County Commissioners, I know just about all 16 on a first name basis and serve with them on various commissions and boards. I live just blocks away. I sent an email earlier today to Dale Copedge, our District 6 Commissioner who lives a couple street over from me. I asked Dale if there were any more public forums being scheduled. If Dale doesn't know that Lewton Rich and Colonial Village, two of the largest and most powerful associations in Lansing were not fully noticed and are sending alarming emails, then he just didn't do a good job communicating with us. I haven't heard back from Dale, but I will let you know if I do. For those neighbors opposed to the program, I suggest you contact your Commissioners and City Councilmembers. Especially Dale and A'lynne Robinson.
Labels: A'Lynne Robinson, Continuum Care Facility, Dale Copedge, Ingham County Commission, OSL, South Lansing
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The Hardest Thing About Losing
I've had a lot of time to decompress and do some soul searching after the election loss in November. I feel like I did not campaign hard enough, and in retrospect know a few things I should have done differently during the campaign.
I hit City Hall like a raging bull. I wasn't thoughtful enough, and I spoke too freely, making enemies of some strong political people. I spoke my mind, and as most successful politicians do, didn't hold my tongue when I should have. I also got dragged into some tough political fights that were not even mine. The camera issue, one I really supported not because Virg proposed it but because I have seen the power of technology and it really works, I supported. I would have supported it if Carol Wood had proposed it because it made good sense to me. The electorate was pretty evenly split on it, but Wood used it as a political football, and hung Virg around my neck like an anchor. The Wood Bernero split was one I couldn't straddle. Derrick Quinney did a masterful job of supporting both but siding with neither. In this election, where Wood had no real opponent, I was running against the most popular incumbent and my challenger.
I also got wind of a couple issues early, and much to my chagrin, and evidence of my naivety, I talked to Brian Jeffries about them. Both issues came up, but he preempted my early knowledge, and guided my opponent to score political points on both the Hunters Ridge development, and the Lewton/Averill Cell Tower issues. Though I knew of them early and supported the residents in both cases, both Jeffries and Robinson scored points and made contacts from them as well.
And on and on and on. A few other simple slips on the campaign front and I was finished.
I really felt it slipping away about a week before the election so I wasn't at all surprised. I had a very aggressive opponent, one that was politically savvy and didn't take stands on issues that could hurt her; I had the Wood-Jeffries cabal actively working against me and for my opponent; I had lost the support of my own neighborhood association president since Wood was whispering in her ear; I had the immediate past Council member Randy Williams campaigning against me; both the FOP and LSJ endorsed my opponent. So as I said, I wasn't surprised and in retrospect I haven't been terribly disappointed either. I have really enjoyed and appreciate the time I have with my young family even more. The job was a grind, really a major time drain. I can sit on boards I have more of an interest in, and the politics are not so serious.
The hardest thing about losing was not even that I lost.
The hardest thing was the toll it took, however temporarily, on my oldest son Nicholas. Nick is 9 years old. He was and is very politically astute and aware. He spend a few days going door to door with me. He saved pictures of my campaign literature because he was so proud. Nick was old enough to understand losing, whereas my other two boys only knew that suddenly, dad was around all the time, and that was great! Nick felt like the loss was a personal rejection of his dad, and that in turn was hard on me. He said things like "A'lynne Robinson ran us out of town". Parents know how bad it feels to disappoint your kids. He said little about the loss, but I could see him run through the stages of a loss. Shock, disbelief, denial, anger, and finally acceptance. I did my best to console him, and made a point of going out in public right away with him, despite the fact that I felt like staying home. I had nothing to be ashamed of and neither did he. So now his dad is a former council member, and he understands now that that is better than being a council member.
Labels: A'Lynne Robinson, Carol Wood, election, lansing city council
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Northrup Street & Golf
Funny combination, but a couple of things facing the city in recent weeks and coming up during the budget talks this month.
Northrup Street is currently the Battle Front Central between the Mayor's office and City Council. Last nights meeting brought out residents from Northrup, along with a large group of people supporting bike lanes and sidewalks.
Northrup is a fairly busy road that runs East-West, primarily between MLK, Washington, and Cedar. It is between Jolly and Miller. Due to the streets, and traffic volume, it has street lights at both Washington and Cedar. Trouble is, Northrup is an old style road, with no curb and gutter, and no sidewalks, between Washington and Cedar.
The Public Service Department has determined that repairing this street is necessary, and desires to increase the safety and life of the improvement by installing said curb, gutter, and sidewalks. Many residents support the idea, many do not. Herein lies the conflict.
The city has the absolute right to do this project as outlined in the codified ordinance:
1020.02. Powers of city re improvements; assessments.
In fact, Act 51 from the State will be providing over a million dollars to help fund this project. It is generally accepted that curb, gutter, and sidewalks improve property values, hence the assessment that usually goes along with such improvements.
I have no doubt that some residents feel that such an improvement will NOT improve their neighborhood. I have heard that they like the rural feel of the street. This project has become a political football now between doing what residents want, and what public administrators feel is in the best interest of the city.
I have to applaud both sides for fighting for what feels right for them. Councilmember Sandy Allen, for listening and trying to respond to her residents in the 2nd Ward, and the Mayor, for doing the hard work and potentially politically damaging work of pushing hard for long term investment by the state and lasting improvements for the city.
This is one decision I'm happy to not be a part of.
******
Golf is beginning to warm up again just like Spring. Today, the LSJ had a letter from Claude Beavers pleading for support of Council and the Mayor:
We need to think outside the box once in a while as a city. That is why I wrote a response to Claude and other posters at the LSJ Opinion Blog:
Make Golf Free, for seniors and kids at Red Cedar and Waverly. Limit the free play to 9 holes a day, but encourage the use of these facilities.
How much is golf subsidized? Not very much in the overall city budget.
Condo communities seek potential owners by offering adjacent low cost golfing as an incentive to live there. Lets start making Lansing attractive for people to stay here by offering unique, and low cost, incentives. We subsidize trails, riverwalk, concerts, arts, basketball, soccer, swimming, ice skating, and community centers. Every recreation in Lansing is subsidized. Lets not put a target on golf.
Growing up in Lansing, it was great to walk 9 at Sycamore. Courses on the out skirts of town are not accessible or affordable. That is not an alternative to most Lansing golfers, especially seniors and kids.
Does my suggestion have a chance to become reality? No. Neither Council or the Mayor are willing to take bold new steps and work together for a brighter and different Lansing.
Northrup Street is currently the Battle Front Central between the Mayor's office and City Council. Last nights meeting brought out residents from Northrup, along with a large group of people supporting bike lanes and sidewalks.
Northrup is a fairly busy road that runs East-West, primarily between MLK, Washington, and Cedar. It is between Jolly and Miller. Due to the streets, and traffic volume, it has street lights at both Washington and Cedar. Trouble is, Northrup is an old style road, with no curb and gutter, and no sidewalks, between Washington and Cedar.
The Public Service Department has determined that repairing this street is necessary, and desires to increase the safety and life of the improvement by installing said curb, gutter, and sidewalks. Many residents support the idea, many do not. Herein lies the conflict.
The city has the absolute right to do this project as outlined in the codified ordinance:
1020.02. Powers of city re improvements; assessments.
(a) The City may:
(1) Cause bridges, wells, pumps and reservoirs to be built in any part of the City;
(2) Improve, maintain or construct any right-of-way, or any part thereof, by grading, ditching, curbing, graveling, paving, draining or repairing, and by covering the same or any part thereof with a suitable paving material; and
(3) Provide for the construction and maintenance of sidewalks.
In fact, Act 51 from the State will be providing over a million dollars to help fund this project. It is generally accepted that curb, gutter, and sidewalks improve property values, hence the assessment that usually goes along with such improvements.
I have no doubt that some residents feel that such an improvement will NOT improve their neighborhood. I have heard that they like the rural feel of the street. This project has become a political football now between doing what residents want, and what public administrators feel is in the best interest of the city.
I have to applaud both sides for fighting for what feels right for them. Councilmember Sandy Allen, for listening and trying to respond to her residents in the 2nd Ward, and the Mayor, for doing the hard work and potentially politically damaging work of pushing hard for long term investment by the state and lasting improvements for the city.
This is one decision I'm happy to not be a part of.
******
Golf is beginning to warm up again just like Spring. Today, the LSJ had a letter from Claude Beavers pleading for support of Council and the Mayor:
Support golf
Yet again, Lansing's administration is targeting our golf courses, saying they lose money. Are the losses from "administrative charges"? Are all other city activities self-supporting without these charges? Why must golf be?
Why not target Groesbeck and Sycamore, rather than Waverly and Red Cedar? Who decides?
The LSJ reports city officials have brainstormed options for the courses. That's a start. But, it's time to involve others, especially those working at the courses and the golfers themselves.
Bill Triola's opinion (Forum, Feb. 10) offers ideas to consider. Let's have a thoughtful discussion over several months, not just days.Let's open the courses, maintain them properly and then start developing a plan to preserve these valuable assets. It doesn't have to be a choice between plowed streets or golf courses.
We need the administration's talents and the City Council's support to keep these courses, not destroy them.
Claude R. Beavers
Lansing
We need to think outside the box once in a while as a city. That is why I wrote a response to Claude and other posters at the LSJ Opinion Blog:
Make Golf Free, for seniors and kids at Red Cedar and Waverly. Limit the free play to 9 holes a day, but encourage the use of these facilities.
How much is golf subsidized? Not very much in the overall city budget.
Condo communities seek potential owners by offering adjacent low cost golfing as an incentive to live there. Lets start making Lansing attractive for people to stay here by offering unique, and low cost, incentives. We subsidize trails, riverwalk, concerts, arts, basketball, soccer, swimming, ice skating, and community centers. Every recreation in Lansing is subsidized. Lets not put a target on golf.
Growing up in Lansing, it was great to walk 9 at Sycamore. Courses on the out skirts of town are not accessible or affordable. That is not an alternative to most Lansing golfers, especially seniors and kids.
Does my suggestion have a chance to become reality? No. Neither Council or the Mayor are willing to take bold new steps and work together for a brighter and different Lansing.
Labels: Act 51, Golf, lansing, lansing city council, Northrup Street
Monday, March 3, 2008
Bike Lanes AND Sidewalks
As most of you know, I'm a big fan of bike lanes, sidewalks and trails. Today I got this urgent email:
Speak Up For Bike Lanes AND Sidewalks - in person or by phone, TODAY!
Last Thursday, several Lansing City Council members stated that they would not approve both bicycle lanes AND sidewalks on Northrup Street in South Lansing. Even if you don't care much about Northrup Street, it is one of the east-west connectors in the bike lane network plan that will be presented for public comment this month, and is part of the major road sidewalk completion network. Refusing bike lanes OR sidewalks on this street sets a bad precedent for completing other major roads in Lansing. Whether you live in the city or not, you can still come and tell how complete streets help make a healthy, livable, attractive community!
WE NEED SUPPORTERS OF "COMPLETE STREETS" to come to City Hall this evening to let council members know why complete streets are a MUST-- for public safety, for personal and public health, for accessibility by all users, for environmental protection, and for attracting residents and businesses to Lansing. COME IN PERSON if you can -- 124 W. Michigan (corner of Michigan and Washington), 10th floor. The sign-in sheet for public comment is set out at 6:30 pm.-- come sign in early so you don't have to wait so long to speak. There are no public hearings this evening, so public comment will start around 7:30, after special ceremonies. If you cannot arrive by 7pm to sign-in, please send me your name and address so I can sign you in. Even if you don't wish to speak, your presence will help send the message that you care about this issue. Please, to help make Lansing a walkable, bikeable city, please come and share your thoughts and stories.
If you absolutely cannot make the meeting but you care about this issue, please make calls to Council Members Allen (H: 394-5776, W: 483-4178), Hewitt (H:487-9593, W: 483-4181), Jeffries (H: 482-4416, W: 353-3716), Robinson (W: 483-4191), and Wood (H: 482-0213, W: 483-4188). These are the five standing in the way of creating a complete street on Northrup, and we need to convince them that there is overwhelming support for sidewalks AND bike lanes.
(Ed. Note: Wood, Jeffries, Robinson & Hewitt; of course)
In February of 2006, there weren't enough votes on council to move forward with the Michigan Avenue rain garden project, but your stories, bodies, phone calls, information, and personal appeals led our council to make a well-informed decision in the end. Lansing will soon boast the largest municipal rain garden system in the nation, and will be featured in the World Summit on the Environment in Hawaii later this year. Efforts to offer rain gardens in Lansing neighborhoods are also underway, to be unveiled this spring.
Please, come to this evening's meeting, and bring a few friends along with you too.
Thank you.
Jessica Yorko
Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council
www.midmeac.org
517-214-5684
No Jessica, Thank You!
Speak Up For Bike Lanes AND Sidewalks - in person or by phone, TODAY!
Last Thursday, several Lansing City Council members stated that they would not approve both bicycle lanes AND sidewalks on Northrup Street in South Lansing. Even if you don't care much about Northrup Street, it is one of the east-west connectors in the bike lane network plan that will be presented for public comment this month, and is part of the major road sidewalk completion network. Refusing bike lanes OR sidewalks on this street sets a bad precedent for completing other major roads in Lansing. Whether you live in the city or not, you can still come and tell how complete streets help make a healthy, livable, attractive community!
WE NEED SUPPORTERS OF "COMPLETE STREETS" to come to City Hall this evening to let council members know why complete streets are a MUST-- for public safety, for personal and public health, for accessibility by all users, for environmental protection, and for attracting residents and businesses to Lansing. COME IN PERSON if you can -- 124 W. Michigan (corner of Michigan and Washington), 10th floor. The sign-in sheet for public comment is set out at 6:30 pm.-- come sign in early so you don't have to wait so long to speak. There are no public hearings this evening, so public comment will start around 7:30, after special ceremonies. If you cannot arrive by 7pm to sign-in, please send me your name and address so I can sign you in. Even if you don't wish to speak, your presence will help send the message that you care about this issue. Please, to help make Lansing a walkable, bikeable city, please come and share your thoughts and stories.
If you absolutely cannot make the meeting but you care about this issue, please make calls to Council Members Allen (H: 394-5776, W: 483-4178), Hewitt (H:487-9593, W: 483-4181), Jeffries (H: 482-4416, W: 353-3716), Robinson (W: 483-4191), and Wood (H: 482-0213, W: 483-4188). These are the five standing in the way of creating a complete street on Northrup, and we need to convince them that there is overwhelming support for sidewalks AND bike lanes.
(Ed. Note: Wood, Jeffries, Robinson & Hewitt; of course)
In February of 2006, there weren't enough votes on council to move forward with the Michigan Avenue rain garden project, but your stories, bodies, phone calls, information, and personal appeals led our council to make a well-informed decision in the end. Lansing will soon boast the largest municipal rain garden system in the nation, and will be featured in the World Summit on the Environment in Hawaii later this year. Efforts to offer rain gardens in Lansing neighborhoods are also underway, to be unveiled this spring.
Please, come to this evening's meeting, and bring a few friends along with you too.
Thank you.
Jessica Yorko
Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council
www.midmeac.org
517-214-5684
No Jessica, Thank You!
Labels: A'Lynne Robinson, bike lanes, lansing, lansing city council, Northrup
On Issues:
The Lansing Boat Club issue is being raised again by the City and the Club. It turns out that the City has offered a 1-year lease with a terminal clause and a higher rent. If the lease is not signed this week, then the Club faces eviction. In the space, the Mayor has proposed a Public Marina, though no details have been offered whatsoever.
My initial response was hardline, but I have softened my response somewhat. While I still believe that the Club should not have eminent domain over this city property at ridiculous low rental rates, I don't see what the rush is. The deadline for eviction is this week. No plans have been put forward by the Mayor or Council, so short of enforcing the deadline for the sake of enforcing the deadline, I would extend the eviction notice 3 months as an act of good faith to allow for further negotiating of the contract.
I still favor a Public Marina, and perhaps the Boat Club could be a part of this endeavor. I have serious problems with virtually rent free riverfront property provided to one exclusive club. When the time is right, I would suggest the city offer the property use proposals up for bid, and review all the proposals. Critics of this administration talk about the unwillingness to offer RFP's, and this is a chance to do just that. This riverfront park property should be use for the good of all Lansing residents, and we should make the most of it.
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What ever happened to the housing development project Faith Gardens? If nothing else, A'Lynne Robinson should make good on her campaign promise to push this project though for a full hearing. Typical do-nothing Council inaction led by the Woods-Jeffries cabal.
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Snow and Potholes. Critics may be lambasting the Mayor for the snow removal services and the ever growing pothole problems we are facing. I don't much like hitting potholes either! Critics of the Mayor may want to keep in mind that we just passed through February with a record snowfall. City planners can budget for the average and a little more, but not for the worst series of storms in the history of Lansing. That is just not something you can plan for.
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Uh Oh! Sound familiar Lansing? (LINK)
VALLEJO, Calif. (AP) — A last-minute deal between city leaders and labor unions could allow this cash-strapped Bay Area suburb to avoid becoming the first city in the state to declare bankruptcy over a budget shortfall.
A bankruptcy declaration last Thursday was staved off by a last minute set of concessions by the unions including 6.5% pay cuts and closing of two fire stations.
Cities spend about 75 percent of their general funds on personnel, while the rest goes to libraries, parks, recreation and other services.
Vallejo, a mostly blue-collar city of 120,000 about 30 miles northeast of San Francisco, has been hit especially hard by the mortgage crisis and has one of the nation's highest foreclosure rates.
Labels: A'Lynne Robinson, lansing, Lansing Boat Club, New Faith Gardens, Potholes, Snow
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