By Scott Pohl, WKAR News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-854346.mp3
EAST LANSING, MI – The East Lansing city council tonight is expected to become the first local government to approve the creation of an authority to oversee improvements to Michigan Avenue.
AUDIO: Last year, East Lansing joined the city of Lansing and Lansing Township in exploring the creation of the Michigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority. If approved by all three, the authority could pay for improvements to Michigan Avenue with tax increment financing or other methods of funding.
East Lansing project manager Lori Mullins says listening to residents has been a big factor in the process. "We made a conscious effort to spend a lot of time on that community input piece," Mullins says, "and so that has pushed back our timeline a bit."
If approved, the authority could address beautification, infrastructure, and promotion of Michigan Avenue attractions.
Lansing will hold a public hearing on the authority on August 24th. Lansing Township officials say approving the authority has to wait until changes are made to zoning rules, which should be done by the end of the year.