April 9, 2025 Issue

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• ExWestsider

  I wholeheartedly support the solution "The CP Edit" proposes. I'll call it: a Commission for Preservation. As noted by the editorial, the preservation of commercial buildings, residential houses, parks, future park lands, churches, swimming pools, arches, bridges, and more applies irrespective of age. The concept is to evaluate, preserve, restore, revitalize, repurpose, and reuse things historic, iconic, architecturally significant, unoccupied, etc. Considering the failures and successes of preservation actions I have seen in my 50 years in the Lansing area, the commission needs to be a body within the mayor's office. The citizen members of the commission would have a range of experience in the building trades, building renovation, urban development, historic preservation, property evaluation, and similar fields. The head of the commission would be appointed by the mayor, employed by the city; a person with community planning and development experience, a commitment to the continuity of Lansing's physical layout and appearance, a vision of the city's future needs, and sensitivity to citizen needs and opinions.

  Other cities have successfully preserved their legacy assets and kept up with changing needs and demands. With the right attitude and commitment, Lansing can too.

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