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.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Faith Gardens Project
The Faith Gardens proposal has become hot topic again, courtesy of Rev. Samuel Duncan and the CCAN Candidate Forum last week. He asked me and my opponent why his project was stalled since February when he had been working very hard to answer questions and provide details to residents and council.
As I understand it the Faith Gardens Project is a construction and development plan that will build 48 rental units on approximately 6 acres adjacent the Wise Road Lansing Church of God in Christ. (LINK) to Planning Board information. The development would consist of 24 senior housing units and 24 rental units, and would be managed by the church or a church designee. A Public Hearing was held September 24 at the regular City Council Meeting, and an earlier hearing at the church took place this past summer. Most of the public comment from the adjacent neighborhood residents was against this project.
So last week, looking to see where this project was stalled, Rev. Duncan posed the question. In short, the project is being held up in the Development and Planning Committee, and until it is placed on the agenda and moved out of that committee, Council cannot take any action. I told Rev. Duncan that I thought the idea of a faith based managed residential concept was promising and that we need to plan for additional senior housing as our population of boomers gets older, however, I did not see much support from the neighbors on this issue and they should try to find a compromise that would be embraced by the Wexford Heights neighborhood. I suggested half the size (24) and restricted to only seniors. That would help alleviate some of the neighborhood concerns about noise and traffic. I do understand though that some projects just will not be financially viable if you change the formula too much, so I think the church will not look at a smaller scale project.
My opponent, A'Lynne Robinson, disagreed with my position and stated at the forum that when elected she would "push this project through".
Besides Wexford, another small South West neighborhood, Coachlight Commons, took a unanimous stand opposing this development. In fact in a letter to City Council, Association President Monica Dungey wrote:
To: Lansing City Council
September 30, 2007
Please let it be known that we as individuals and collectively as a Neighborhood Association overwhelmingly oppose the “New Faith Gardens” proposed project to build a multi-unit housing development on Wise Road located on Lansing’s South West Side.
There is an overabundance of multi-unit / subsidized housing on Lansing’s South West Side. Within a three (3) mile radius from the proposed “New Faith Gardens” development are the following:
Cranbrook Manor/ Summer Place 136 units
Laroy Froh 100 units
Twin Oaks Meadows 63 units
Colonial Townhouses I, II, III 241 units
Pinebrook Apartment Complex 136 units
Woodbridge Commons Co-Op 157 units
Silverstone 105 units
Vincent Court 56 units
Independence Square 20 units
Edgewood Glen/Aspen Hollow 50 units
Moore Living Center 32 units
Village Cooperative 310 units
Highland Co-Op 414 units
Moore Apartments II 12 units
Somerset Apartments 100 units
Washington Woods 12 units
Traditions (Lansing Villa) 160 units
S Washington Park 188 units
Colonial Woods 90 units
Waverly Park 504 units
Arbor Pointe Town homes 350 units
Bayview Manor 136 units
Arbors at Georgetown 116 units
As a neighborhood we experience first hand of the negative aspect(s) of multi- unit housing development abutting a single family unit neighborhood daily. Traffic, noise, crime, and property values are but a few concerns of everyone.
Therefore, let it be known that on September 25, 2007 members attending the Coachlight Neighborhood Association Meeting voted unanimously against the “New Faith Gardens” multi-unit housing development proposed by the Lansing Church of God.
Respectfully,
Coachlight Neighborhood Association
Monica Dungey – President
Sarah McFarland – Vice President
Martin Dungey – Recording Secretary
So last weekend on the campaign trail, I spent a few hours Saturday and Sunday, and visited most of the voters from the Wexford neighborhood to speak with them personally. Sometimes at Public Hearings, a vocal few can sway public opinion. I told the church that I wanted to see if the representative public at the hearings was a true indication of the neighbors feeling.
Well, I was greeted and treated very well in the neighborhood, and there is much, much opposition to this project. My informal survey was 19 residents against the project, and only 4 people for the project.
There was more opposition than I expected, and this confirmed what I thought all along. The surprising thing was that I found out that Jim Jackson, Association President and supporter of the project, is actually a long time friend of my parents from Coldwell Banker. So as nice as Mr. Jackson is, and for all his good intentions, I will have to respectfully disagree with him on this particular project.
Southwest Lansing has too much rental housing, with a multitude of large complexes. As I have stated before on this blog, I favor development of single family homes first and foremost. While the majority of renters are great people, my wife and I rented apartments and a house before we bought, we have an abundance of properties available right now.
Now, the Faith Gardens project is stalled, and I suspect that no action will be taken before the election by Council. That doesn't mean Council and candidates can't take a position, as me and A'Lynne did last week. Other Council members should tell you how they feel. It is not right to leave Rev. Duncan and his proposal twisting in the wind. He deserves a yes or no from Council so he can proceed or move on. I believe that this may be stalled for political reasons, that some people don't want to tell you how they feel, or want to stall a vote, until after they have votes from both the church and the neighborhood. I hate to believe that, and I hope I am proven wrong in the next couple weeks.
I told Kathie Dunbar last night that one of my biggest surprises on Council was how much Cloak and Dagger positioning went on. She agreed with the dagger statement, but the cloak, not so much. As Council, we should be as honest and forthright on positions as possible. That is one of my reasons for writing this blog. Maybe I talk too much, and speak too freely. It has certainly cost me some support as I tell it like I feel. To be honest with you, if speaking my mind and taking positions costs me the election then I'm ok with that. I don't plan to change and I hope people understand that I try to be open. That is what I want from my elected officials.
As I understand it the Faith Gardens Project is a construction and development plan that will build 48 rental units on approximately 6 acres adjacent the Wise Road Lansing Church of God in Christ. (LINK) to Planning Board information. The development would consist of 24 senior housing units and 24 rental units, and would be managed by the church or a church designee. A Public Hearing was held September 24 at the regular City Council Meeting, and an earlier hearing at the church took place this past summer. Most of the public comment from the adjacent neighborhood residents was against this project.
So last week, looking to see where this project was stalled, Rev. Duncan posed the question. In short, the project is being held up in the Development and Planning Committee, and until it is placed on the agenda and moved out of that committee, Council cannot take any action. I told Rev. Duncan that I thought the idea of a faith based managed residential concept was promising and that we need to plan for additional senior housing as our population of boomers gets older, however, I did not see much support from the neighbors on this issue and they should try to find a compromise that would be embraced by the Wexford Heights neighborhood. I suggested half the size (24) and restricted to only seniors. That would help alleviate some of the neighborhood concerns about noise and traffic. I do understand though that some projects just will not be financially viable if you change the formula too much, so I think the church will not look at a smaller scale project.
My opponent, A'Lynne Robinson, disagreed with my position and stated at the forum that when elected she would "push this project through".
Besides Wexford, another small South West neighborhood, Coachlight Commons, took a unanimous stand opposing this development. In fact in a letter to City Council, Association President Monica Dungey wrote:
To: Lansing City Council
September 30, 2007
Please let it be known that we as individuals and collectively as a Neighborhood Association overwhelmingly oppose the “New Faith Gardens” proposed project to build a multi-unit housing development on Wise Road located on Lansing’s South West Side.
There is an overabundance of multi-unit / subsidized housing on Lansing’s South West Side. Within a three (3) mile radius from the proposed “New Faith Gardens” development are the following:
Cranbrook Manor/ Summer Place 136 units
Laroy Froh 100 units
Twin Oaks Meadows 63 units
Colonial Townhouses I, II, III 241 units
Pinebrook Apartment Complex 136 units
Woodbridge Commons Co-Op 157 units
Silverstone 105 units
Vincent Court 56 units
Independence Square 20 units
Edgewood Glen/Aspen Hollow 50 units
Moore Living Center 32 units
Village Cooperative 310 units
Highland Co-Op 414 units
Moore Apartments II 12 units
Somerset Apartments 100 units
Washington Woods 12 units
Traditions (Lansing Villa) 160 units
S Washington Park 188 units
Colonial Woods 90 units
Waverly Park 504 units
Arbor Pointe Town homes 350 units
Bayview Manor 136 units
Arbors at Georgetown 116 units
As a neighborhood we experience first hand of the negative aspect(s) of multi- unit housing development abutting a single family unit neighborhood daily. Traffic, noise, crime, and property values are but a few concerns of everyone.
Therefore, let it be known that on September 25, 2007 members attending the Coachlight Neighborhood Association Meeting voted unanimously against the “New Faith Gardens” multi-unit housing development proposed by the Lansing Church of God.
Respectfully,
Coachlight Neighborhood Association
Monica Dungey – President
Sarah McFarland – Vice President
Martin Dungey – Recording Secretary
So last weekend on the campaign trail, I spent a few hours Saturday and Sunday, and visited most of the voters from the Wexford neighborhood to speak with them personally. Sometimes at Public Hearings, a vocal few can sway public opinion. I told the church that I wanted to see if the representative public at the hearings was a true indication of the neighbors feeling.
Well, I was greeted and treated very well in the neighborhood, and there is much, much opposition to this project. My informal survey was 19 residents against the project, and only 4 people for the project.
There was more opposition than I expected, and this confirmed what I thought all along. The surprising thing was that I found out that Jim Jackson, Association President and supporter of the project, is actually a long time friend of my parents from Coldwell Banker. So as nice as Mr. Jackson is, and for all his good intentions, I will have to respectfully disagree with him on this particular project.
Southwest Lansing has too much rental housing, with a multitude of large complexes. As I have stated before on this blog, I favor development of single family homes first and foremost. While the majority of renters are great people, my wife and I rented apartments and a house before we bought, we have an abundance of properties available right now.
Now, the Faith Gardens project is stalled, and I suspect that no action will be taken before the election by Council. That doesn't mean Council and candidates can't take a position, as me and A'Lynne did last week. Other Council members should tell you how they feel. It is not right to leave Rev. Duncan and his proposal twisting in the wind. He deserves a yes or no from Council so he can proceed or move on. I believe that this may be stalled for political reasons, that some people don't want to tell you how they feel, or want to stall a vote, until after they have votes from both the church and the neighborhood. I hate to believe that, and I hope I am proven wrong in the next couple weeks.
I told Kathie Dunbar last night that one of my biggest surprises on Council was how much Cloak and Dagger positioning went on. She agreed with the dagger statement, but the cloak, not so much. As Council, we should be as honest and forthright on positions as possible. That is one of my reasons for writing this blog. Maybe I talk too much, and speak too freely. It has certainly cost me some support as I tell it like I feel. To be honest with you, if speaking my mind and taking positions costs me the election then I'm ok with that. I don't plan to change and I hope people understand that I try to be open. That is what I want from my elected officials.
Labels: A'Lynne Robinson, Bill Matt, lansing city council, New Faith Gardens, Wexford
# posted by Bill Matt @ 8:31 AM 
Comments:
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Bill--
1) How would you describe the difference between you and your opponent generally? Do you feel that she's as open as you?
2) What's the buzz about the cellphone tower in the Averill Woods neighborhood? Are there enough votes to delay it?
3) Is there any sentiment on the council to enact a master plan for cellphone construction inside the city?
WES
1) How would you describe the difference between you and your opponent generally? Do you feel that she's as open as you?
2) What's the buzz about the cellphone tower in the Averill Woods neighborhood? Are there enough votes to delay it?
3) Is there any sentiment on the council to enact a master plan for cellphone construction inside the city?
WES
I think we are more similar than different. We share many of the same goals for the city.
I think the big difference is that she will be allied with Carol & Brian on the council, which means she will oppose many of the Mayor's initiatives simply because of where the idea came from. I think she is less open in the sense that she is more guarded with her words. Crafty but vague, and I haven't heard a lot of new ideas from her.
One thing I tried to point out to the LSJ during our endorsement interview was that I think Council Members should look to make an impact, and work to make things happen. I don't think the position and Ward is best served by someone who will simply be a reactionary "check & balance" to the Mayor. Carol does a fine job of that all by herself.
I have a great relationship with 5 other Council Members. If elected, the six of us can get a lot of great things done for the city.
Council will most certainly opposes the cell tower re-zoning, probably eight to zero.
I think too that creating a committee and implementing a master plan will be supported. It makes good sense.
I think the big difference is that she will be allied with Carol & Brian on the council, which means she will oppose many of the Mayor's initiatives simply because of where the idea came from. I think she is less open in the sense that she is more guarded with her words. Crafty but vague, and I haven't heard a lot of new ideas from her.
One thing I tried to point out to the LSJ during our endorsement interview was that I think Council Members should look to make an impact, and work to make things happen. I don't think the position and Ward is best served by someone who will simply be a reactionary "check & balance" to the Mayor. Carol does a fine job of that all by herself.
I have a great relationship with 5 other Council Members. If elected, the six of us can get a lot of great things done for the city.
Council will most certainly opposes the cell tower re-zoning, probably eight to zero.
I think too that creating a committee and implementing a master plan will be supported. It makes good sense.
Mr. Matt,
I am relieved to read your position on the Faith Gardens project, your research in the field with your constituents truly proves your intelligence and thoroughness of the issue, kudos to you. Your opponents position,however, for the project and more rental property, clearly states that she is not in touch with the people. It is starting to become very obvious what side of the issues the candidates positions are.
Lansing's third ward does not need "nice" as so many editorials have stated, it needs strength and honesty and to have the courage to speak for the people. Keep it up, the 3rd ward is lucky to have you as its incumbent councilman.
I am relieved to read your position on the Faith Gardens project, your research in the field with your constituents truly proves your intelligence and thoroughness of the issue, kudos to you. Your opponents position,however, for the project and more rental property, clearly states that she is not in touch with the people. It is starting to become very obvious what side of the issues the candidates positions are.
Lansing's third ward does not need "nice" as so many editorials have stated, it needs strength and honesty and to have the courage to speak for the people. Keep it up, the 3rd ward is lucky to have you as its incumbent councilman.
# posted by 
: October 19, 2007 6:19 PM
: October 19, 2007 6:19 PM
Why do the long term councilmembers oppose the mayor? Growth in Lansing is necessary to build the Mid-Michigan region, without a vibrant core stagnation will continue.
I find it appalling that some councilmembers would not even attend the press conference announcing the Accident Fund/Board of Water and light project, these council people don't want to give the mayor or members of the council who support his agenda any credit for moving Lansing forward, and that is wrong.....
Supporting new blood on the council is just what Lansing needs, good luck incumbents Matt and Quinney! Lets get Mid-Michigan back to where it belongs, growing and flourishing.
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I find it appalling that some councilmembers would not even attend the press conference announcing the Accident Fund/Board of Water and light project, these council people don't want to give the mayor or members of the council who support his agenda any credit for moving Lansing forward, and that is wrong.....
Supporting new blood on the council is just what Lansing needs, good luck incumbents Matt and Quinney! Lets get Mid-Michigan back to where it belongs, growing and flourishing.
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