By Mark Bashore, WKAR News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-911110.mp3
EAST LANSING, MI – East Lansing officials are keeping an eye on a measure at the state Capital that could enhance development and entrepreneurial activity in the community.
The so-called 'Town Gown' bill passed the Michigan House last week. It would allow college communities to create districts similar to Downtown Development Authorities, shared by the municipality, the college and local businesses. East Lansing Planning Director Tim Dempsey says the measure could jump start a plan to help MSU student entrepreneurs.
"We call it 'The Hatch,'" Dempsey says. "It's a concept we've been working on closely in partnership with the university and some of their academic programs, so creating an environment where students could start up businesses and providing some funding for that activity would be an example of what we might be able to do."
Opponents say the proposal duplicates existing economic development tools. It now goes to the Senate.