Lansing, MI — At Monday’s Lansing City Council meeting, a packed room of residents voiced their opinions on various building projects, with a particular focus on the New Vision Lansing Brownfield Plan. While no decisions were made during the meeting, the council heard a wide range of views from the community, underscoring the significance of the proposed development.
The New Vision Lansing Brownfield Plan, which was first presented to the City Council a year ago, has expanded from an initial proposal of three buildings to five. This growth has raised concerns, especially among residents of the Old Town neighborhood, who are seeking more transparency regarding the development’s details.
Samantha Benson, a resident of the area, urged the council to delay approval of the proposed tax incentives until there is a more open and meaningful dialogue between the developer and the community. Benson highlighted several issues, including a lack of clarity about the design, traffic management, and how the project would fit within the historic fabric of the Old Town district. She emphasized the need for more thorough discussions before proceeding with any approvals.
While concerns about the project were voiced, many residents expressed support for the development. David Ellis, another local resident, acknowledged that the proposed development was a positive change for Lansing, noting that it was rare to see a project in the city that was expanding rather than being scaled back or canceled. Ellis spoke to the potential benefits of the New Vision Lansing plan, which he felt could bring long-awaited revitalization to the area.
The council is expected to make a decision on the Brownfield Plan at their next meeting in two weeks, where further discussions are anticipated. As the project progresses, residents continue to call for more transparency and community involvement to ensure the development aligns with the neighborhood’s needs and character.
