Conflict of interest possible in project

Some East Lansing residents are concerned about city officials who plan to purchase property in the Avondale Square project, which is orchestrated by the city.

The project calls for the construction of 16 single-family homes and 14 townhouses along Virginia Avenue in place of rental housing. The block previously was inhabited by many student renters. The project’s focus is to bring families, especially those with children, into the area that neighbors Marble Elementary School.

The amount of time the city of East Lansing has to acquire property from the last homeowner in the area was extended by the City Council on Tuesday.

“Sometimes … public officials are criticized for dreaming up projects, (but) this is a pretty concrete way to show belief in the project,” said Tim Dempsey, East Lansing’s community and economic development administrator, who plans to purchase one of the homes.

Dempsey said he doesn’t think buying property will affect families moving to East Lansing.

“I already live in the city, so … I’m going to have to sell my house,” he said. “There’s still that potential to attract a family, whether it’s in a lot there or a lot in my current neighborhood.”

Councilmember Nathan Triplett is planning to purchase a house near the Avondale Square project. However, because he is an elected official, he is not allowed to purchase property within the project, Assistant City Attorney Tom Hitch said.

“(But) because he’s not buying from the city, there’s no violation of city code,” he said.

East Lansing resident Jim Cuddeback said the whole concept seems a little strange.

“I’m sure Triplett and Dempsey would be very good neighbors, but they’re trying to take away property from a current property owner and … they want to move in,” he said. “Why don’t they have the decency and common sense to buy a house in another neighborhood?”

According to a state statute, employees are able to purchase up to four parcels of residential property from a municipal that person works for, said Hitch, who declared there was no conflict of interest.

Because the whole area is benefiting from federal grants, Triplett and Dempsey had to publicly state their intentions and meet a number of requirements.

“I have little doubt that there (will be) no conflict of interest once he completes providing that information,” said Sally Silver, an East Lansing resident and member of the Bailey Community Association.

Human biology junior Jerry Thibodeau said he doesn’t agree with the idea of demolishing the rental properties.

“It’s hard enough as it is for students to find a place to live,” he said. “For them to get rid of it and then use it for their own benefit, that’s just kind of wrong.”

Published on Tuesday, August 26, 2008