Wednesday, May 8,2013

JNL's money grab

Lest we forget when Jackson National Life successfully argued its new headquarters was "obsolete" to lower its property tax payments. On Tuesday, a compromise was reached with the city.

by Andy Balaskovitz

As the local media drank up good jobs news last week like an alcoholic at a Christmas party, there's been no mention of the fact that less than three years ago, Jackson National Life Insurance Co. fought the city for hundreds of thousands of dollars in property taxes.

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Wednesday, May 8,2013

Wrapping up charrette week

Week-long visioning sessions for Grand River/Michigan corridor come to a close

by Andy Balaskovitz

For over three hours inside the Lansing Center last week, politicians worked alongside concerned citizens, engineers and planners alongside transportation advocates to visualize the future of Grand River and Michigan avenues between the Capitol and Webberville.

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Wednesday, May 8,2013

The fees within

How Lansing fees would change under Mayor Virg Bernero's budget

by Andy Balaskovitz

Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has introduced 33 new fees and proposes increasing 86 existing fees for various city services as part of his budget that would start July 1. The changes are projected to raise about $500,000 in new revenue for city coffers.

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Wednesday, May 8,2013

Expanding civil rights in the capital region

Meridian, Delta and Delhi townships plan to introduce LGBT nondiscrimination policies this summer

by Sam Inglot

Wednesday, May 8 — Because the Republican-controlled state Legislature doesn’t seem interested in expanding civil rights protections to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens, local governments are taking matters into their own hands.

Wednesday, May 8,2013

Butler Corridor Coalition

In an effort to "redefine the neighborhood," a community group forms to reshape and connect the neighborhood northwest of the Capitol

by Sam Inglot

Ora B. Fuller has lived above her store, Shanora's Wigs and General Merchandise at 829 W. Saginaw St., for the past 32 years. She's seen the neighborhood around her survive a reputation as a drug and crime infested area — a reputation she doesn't think was totally deserved. And now she sees it coming back.

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Wednesday, May 8,2013

Ease in with pilot

by Walt Sorg

In a rare change of pace, the state House of Representatives wants more facts before deciding on a controversial policy.

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Monday, May 6,2013

Kids in the Hall

Budget hearings round 6: A countywide economic development millage? Niowave-inspired ordinance passes unanimously.

by Andy Balaskovitz

Tuesday, May 7 — The head of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership said Monday night that Ingham County commissioners are considering a millage to support economic development activities countywide.

Monday, May 6,2013

Valu Land moving in

Spartan Stores grocer moving into former L&L location in Colonial Village

by Sam Inglot

Monday, May 6 — A Valu Land grocery store is moving into the former L&L Food Center location in Colonial Village Shopping Center, filling a void that’s been in the area for two-and-a-half years. The store is expected to open July 22.

Friday, May 3,2013

Market Place gets a timeline

City, Gillespie reach an agreement to get downtown project moving

by Andy Balaskovitz

Friday, May 3 — The Bernero administration has brokered a deal with developer Pat Gillespie to get his downtown Market Place development moving, which includes a timeline for when “substantial completion” of construction should finish.

Friday, May 3,2013

Bike-share pilot likely coming to Lansing

Funding still needed for community bike-share program, but prospects look good

by Sam Inglot

Friday, May 3 — Come August, Lansing could be the pilot city for a new company that wants to start a community bike-sharing program here.