Catch up on Reporting From ELi
City Council approved a seasonal sauna park to be added downtown. Could a pizza shop be next?
Winter has arrived in East Lansing! We received our first big snow storm of the winter, and just in time for the city’s annual Winterfest celebration that will be held today.
Start your weekend by catching up with some recent reporting from ELi.
Council approves seasonal sauna park.
From January to April 2025, there will be a new attraction downtown after City Council approved a seasonal sauna park at its Tuesday, Dec. 3 meeting. The park will include two cold plunge stations and two saunas. It will be staged at the empty lot next to Crunchy’s on Grand River Avenue. Also at the meeting, council heard an update on the city’s non-motorized transportation plan that aims to make it easier for cyclists, runners and walkers to get around. Read Managing Editor Luke Day’s recap of the meeting here.
New pizza restaurant coming to downtown East Lansing?
There could soon be a new pizza shop downtown, as the Downtown Development Authority recommended a proposal to put a restaurant in the vacant suite next to FieldHouse sports bar. The DDA also heard feedback on the Albert El Fresco season from the past summer. Read Luke’s story here.
‘The Local Epicurean’ brings specialty market, cooking classes to East Lansing.
There’s a unique new business in East Lansing, as The Local Epicurean had its Grand Opening this past week. The specialty market will also offer Italian cooking classes to aspiring cooks at various skill levels. Read more about the market and what to expect from the new business in Arts and Culture Reporter Sarah Spohn’s story.
Is the city planning to take legal action in response to Proposal 1 passing?
Proposal 1, a city charter amendment impacting East Lansing’s housing and rental regulations, was approved by voters at the November election. At the first City Council meeting following the election, some residents voiced concern that the city would take action to nullify some of the amendment’s impacts. Read Luke’s coverage of the meeting and what council members said when asked if a legal response was discussed.
There is a busy meeting week ahead.
Looking ahead, there are seven city meetings on the docket next week. Monday (Dec. 9), the Folk Festival Committee and Human Rights Commission meet. Tuesday (Dec. 10), City Council and the Board of Review gather. Wednesday (Dec. 11), the Planning Commission convenes. Then on Thursday (Dec. 12), the Community Development Advisory Committee and Historic District Commission each meet. When meeting agendas are posted, they can be found here.
Additionally, the East Lansing Board of Education will meet Monday (Dec. 9) at 7 p.m. Meetings are held downstairs in the high school. To view that meeting agenda, click here.
Winterfest is today!
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today (Saturday, Dec. 7) head to the Hannah Community Center for Winterfest. The annual celebration features a performance from the School of Rock East Lansing House Band, a ventriloquist and a performance from Tony Thompson and Friends.
Additionally, the event will feature a winter farmers market and craft market, Nerf games, outdoor fire pits with s’mores, ice carving and more! To find out more about Winterfest, read the city’s release here.
Parks, Recreation and Arts department still accepting donations for holiday food drive.
The city’s Parks, Recreation and Arts department will continue to accept donations for its holiday food drive through next Sunday, Dec. 15. The department has set a goal of collecting 1,200 pounds of food and is accepting donations at the Hannah Community Center. For more information about what items the city is looking for, and how to donate, read the city’s full press release here.
There are several vacancies for city commissions.
Want to get involved in East Lansing government? There are plenty of opportunities available.
According to the meeting agenda for the upcoming Dec. 10 City Council meeting, there are two openings on the Arts Commission, Building Authority, Historic District Commission and Planning Commission. Additionally, there is one vacancy on the Art Selection Panel, Housing Commission, Officers Compensation Commission, University Student Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.
To read more about why city commissions matter, and how to apply to serve on them, read this past reporting from ELi.
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