E.L. residents attend council work session to voice concerns on City Center II

By Nico Rubello (Last updated: 05/15/08 11:03am)

T-shirts reading “Free Valley Court Park” set the tone for the public discussion on the City Center II development during Tuesday’s East Lansing City Council work session.

The shirts reflected local concern that the size of the $117 million development will affect accessibility of the park, said Alice Dreger, an East Lansing resident.

The proposal for City Center II includes a pedestrian overpass and a 10-story mixed-use building, containing a boutique, hotel and performing arts theater with residential and retail space.

The development would span Abbot Road to Valley Court Park along Grand River Avenue.

“The challenge right now is to balance the pressing need for downtown development with neighborhood stability,” Councilmember Nathan Triplett said.

City Center II is the largest development project ever undertaken by the city, he said.

Ann Nichols, president of the Oakhill Historic District Neighborhood Association, said the city’s poor housing market will make filling the apartments and high-end townhouses too difficult.

Additionally, the five-structure development would increase cut-through traffic in her downtown neighborhood, she said.

“We’re not opposed to the development,” said Nichols. “We want the townhouses to be off (Valley Court Park) entirely.”

About 40 East Lansing residents attended the work session in order to voice their concern and learn more about the development.

Project developers also were on hand to answer the council’s questions.

Rick D’Alessandro architectural developer for Ledy Design Group Inc., said he was confident City Center II would not impact the visibility of nearby buildings, like The People’s Church, 200 W. Grand River Ave.

East Lansing resident Catherine Foley said the project’s appearance would not mesh well into the downtown cityscape.

“It is out of proportion with MSU and East Lansing,” Foley said. “I don’t think it harmonizes with the architecture in the area.”

Triplett said the council is unsure of when a final decision will be made, as last night marked the first time the council formally discussed the issue.

“We’re going to design these units not only for professionals but for seniors,” said Scott Chappelle, president of Strathmore Development Co., the project’s developer, in response to worries that the center would be mainly student housing.

The city council will continue to discuss the project at their May 20, 27 and June 3 meetings.

Originally Published: 05/14/08 10:56am