Students, residents invited to brainstorm suggestions for Michigan Avenue revival

East Lansing residents and students who would like to see more development on Michigan Avenue can attend a community workshop Thursday to discuss ways to revitalize the corridor.

The workshop will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the MSU Center for Community and Economic Development, 1615 E. Michigan Ave., in Lansing. There were two previous workshops held in August.

“The (Michigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority Study Committee) will share the goals that they’ve made for the corridor based on input from the last two meetings, and will ask participants for feedback on those goals,” said Lori Mullins, senior project manager for East Lansing.

The study committee, which is facilitating the workshop, is made up of three members — one from East Lansing, Lansing and Lansing Township, she said.

Ben Amber, an East Lansing resident volunteering for the study committee, said he became involved because he has interest in Lansing Township.

“My perspective is that really, we’re taking the view of what kind of changes we can make now, but more importantly, what’s our vision of Michigan Avenue 30 or 40 years from now,” he said.

Students are encouraged to participate, Mullins said.

Sociology senior Meghan Norton said she thinks the revitalization effort would be beneficial for students.

“There’s not really anything to do down there,” she said. “If there (were) more things to do, and more people talking about it, people would go down there.”

Norton said she would like to see more shopping included on Michigan Avenue.

“I know a lot of kids that don’t have cars can’t get out to (Eastwood Towne Center), and this could be an option if you don’t want to go all the way down to (Meridian Mall),” she said.

Ideas that the public proposed at previous meetings included bike lanes, pedestrian and facade improvements, and a sign that welcomes people to the region, Mullins said.

After reviewing the input from the three meetings, the study committee will finalize a development plan to be given to each party involved.