Editor’s note: This story was changed to reflect the city council’s passing of the rezoning ordinance.
The East Lansing City Council approved a controversial rezoning ordinance that would redevelop a vacant building near a residential neighborhood after taking input from community members Tuesday night.
During its meeting at City Hall, 410 Abbot Road, the council held three public hearings seeking the input of area residents on rezoning and development projects.
One of the proposed projects, which garnered significant public comment at the meeting, would rezone a property at 1525 W. Lake Lansing Road from a B-4 location, or a Restricted Office Business District, to a B-5 location, or a Retail Sales Business District. The developers plan to put three commercial businesses, including a pharmacy, in the area. The rezoning would allow for different types of retailers to occupy the space. At press time, council had not made a decision regarding the matter.
Currently in the proposed area is a vacant building owned by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The developer, Caddis Development Group LLC, wants to create a mixed-use building.
The development has been controversial in the area. Some residents had advocated against the project because they believe the proposed development would not integrate well into the neighborhood atmosphere.
About 40 community members were present to comment on the issue and were divided as to whether the rezoning proposal was a positive or negative motion for the city.
Steve Montayne, owner of Spartan Hall of Fame Café, said he felt the rezoning would be beneficial to the community because it would be more convenient for community members from a service standpoint.
He also said the existing vacant building holds detrimental qualities.
“From my standpoint, (the Blue Cross Blue Shield building is) an eyesore and it is a drag to my business,” Montain said.
Milton Price, an East Lansing resident who lives directly across from the proposed rezoning site, said he was very uncomfortable with the proposed plan.
“The developer (is) coming into our area wanting to take full control,” Price said.
Also discussed by council wwas the council’s responsibility to comply to the majority of the neighborhood’s wishes.
“(I) continue to be concerned about affordable housing in (the) community. … Those concerns are not sufficient to oppose for residents who follow the rules,” Triplett said.
Check statenews.com for an update on the story.
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