[LMich]

Looks like some form of upgraded transit along Michigan Avenue may be closer than any Lansingite knows. It'd be something he we could have a hideous push for light-rail, but I'd settle for any improvements along the corridor:

Proposal beefs up transit on Michigan Avenue

Kathryn Prater • kprater@lsj.com • May 20, 2009 • From Lansing State Journal

A recent federal funding proposal to improve transportation could result in advanced transit - such as bus lanes, bus boarding stations or light rail - along Michigan and Grand River avenues if it's approved later this year, said one local transportation official.

...

She said the project could draw economic activity to the corridor, especially if CATA creates boarding stations, where people could pay fares before boarding the bus. Those stations would draw large numbers of people, likely attracting businesses and other employment sites, such as entertainment venues, she said.

"Along these corridors there is great opportunity for economic development," Alexander said. "You're creating density when you do this, which draws economic development."

In other news, it looks like the construction of the new watefront city market will finally start construction by June 1:

Charlotte firm to build Lansing City Market

Susan Vela • svela@lsj.com • May 20, 2009 • From Lansing State Journal

Charlotte-based Kares Construction Co. is getting the opportunity to build the new year-round Lansing City Market slated to open around the start of 2010

Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority officials recently selected the company based on a bid that came in around $1.6 million.

...

However, "we're hoping by June 1, we'll be cracking the ground," Hart continued. "I just want this project to get going. I'm ready. The citizens are ready. We're excited about the project."

...

Plans are for a new 13,000-square-foot facility that will be situated just southwest of the market that's been at the corner of Cedar and Shiawassee streets since 1938.

The recession's reeking havoc all across the state, but it's good to see that that doesn't mean we just roll over and die. Speaking of the recession, though, it has changed some of the existing proposals for central Lansing:

Changes Made to $12 Million Sobi Square Downtown Project

Capital Gains, 5/20/2009

The developers planning the Sobi Square project in Downtown Lansing have changed the site plans to reflect changes in the housing market.

The $12 million project includes residential and mixed-use properties that encompasses Butler Blvd., Ionia St., Ottawa St. and Sycamore St. in Downtown Lansing.

The changes include adding a mixed-use building that would include retail, office space and living space. However, the first phase will include the construction of a 12-unit, 950 square feet to 1,175 square feet two and three-bedroom building on Ottawa Street.

The project, which resembles developer Gene Townsend’s Printer’s Row development, creates a community within the neighborhood.

“We received feedback that if this corner is improved, it may improve the whole region,” says developer Gene Townsend with The Lenawee Company. Old Town-based VESTA Building Industries is also a partner in the project.

The project includes large rain gardens, expansive green space, a recycling area, patios, a fountain, garden and hidden parking.

“I think this will be pretty exciting because the buildings will be very energy efficient,” Townsend says.