The development of East Village has overcome a hurdle after the federal government approved a city request allowing it to build on land closer to the Red Cedar River.
On Jan. 30, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, approved a request from the city of East Lansing to reduce the floodway boundaries near the Red Cedar River between Bogue Street and Hagadorn Road.
Floodways determine how close to the river property owners can build. The city and Pierce Education Properties, a San Diego-based development firm, are working to redevelop East Village. Plans call for a mix of condominiums, businesses and entertainment venues in the area, which is currently occupied by more than 2,000 students.
Now, the city has the freedom to pursue development along the river where it was previously unable, said Lori Mullins, East Lansing’s senior project manager. The proposed East Village site plans include a public park and performance plazas along the river.
“Both the floodway and the floodplain have regulations on what can be built in those areas,” Mullins said. “It helps to clarify what can be built in the East Village area as far as what kind of buildings and how close to the river.”
The new designations could lower insurance costs in the area, Mullins said.
“It’s going to reduce the area where people will have to get flood insurance,” Mullins said. “Some people in the area will see their insurance rates reduced.”
FEMA is scheduled to release the new insurance rates and who qualifies for them in three months.
When the city first decided to pursue the development of East Village, the Red Cedar River presented a building obstacle. The city felt its 1980 floodway boundaries weren’t accurate, reducing the amount of land available to developers and property owners.
After commissioning a study of the floodway, the city discovered it could be narrowed by as much as 1,750 feet in some spots. That land could be used for future development.
Jim van Ravensway, East Lansing’s director of Planning and Community Development, said the new boundaries are a step forward in the redevelopment of the area.
“It’s a good thing for the East Village, and it’s a good thing for the property owners,” van Ravensway said. “If less of the land is on the floodway, more can be developed.”
Theresa Nakata, vice president of marketing and communications for Pierce Education Properties, said narrowing the floodplain won’t affect its proposed development of the area and its presentation to the council.
“We’ve developed the site plan with the new floodplain in mind,” Nakata said.
Colin Cronin, area director of student properties for DTN Management Co., said the changes haven’t affected his decision on whether to participate in the area’s proposed development.
“Its not a deal breaker or maker,” Cronin said.
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