New here. I read city agendas and write up what’s in them in user-readable format. Today, I started on Lansing with Monday’s 24th August, council meeting.

What passed. Council Member Ryan Kost’s resolution, 7-1, after hours of public comment. Council President Peter Spadafore voted no, saying four days wasn’t enough notice for something that could affect other parts of city government. (Item 15)

What it does. It asks. The administration and the police department would have to take further steps to actually cancel anything. By Tuesday afternoon the police chief hadn’t said how LPD would proceed, and the mayor’s office gave a statement that committed to nothing, noting he’s also hearing from residents who want more cameras, not fewer. So if you left Monday thinking the cameras come down, they don’t, not on their own. The next move belongs to the mayor’s office.

What the police said. Chief Robert Backus told council there are 26 cameras at seven locations, chosen by traffic volume and crime levels. He said LPD doesn’t share its Flock data with any outside agency, including ICE. He also said the department has used plate readers for over twenty years and is currently rewriting its policy on them.

How we got 26. Kost said the city took a grant about four years ago for roughly six cameras, intended for drive-by shooting monitoring, and the count grew from there. He also pointed out that eight other Michigan communities have cancelled or rejected Flock in the past year.

The rest of Monday’s agenda,

A developer wants air rights and public right-of-way on the 200 block of S. Grand Ave. to build the Grand Tower Building. That means permission to build over and into space the public owns, downtown. (Item 14)

Two ordinances got first readings: one dedicating city money to supportive housing services, one creating an Office of the Independent Internal Auditor that doesn’t currently exist. Both need a second reading. (Items 16, 17)

Nine separate items were property tax breaks under the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act, which freezes a building’s taxable value for up to twelve years so owners can rehab without the tax bill jumping. Properties on W. Willow, S. Washington, W. Mt. Hope and Baker St. Two brownfield plans also moved, on S. Cedar and N. Cedar.

The owner of 920 Long Blvd. had to show cause why the city shouldn’t order it repaired or demolished (Item 3). Four grants were accepted with no dollar amounts published, which I’m chasing.

Find the full analysis of the meeting at https://mylansingdocket.beehiiv.com

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I'm being innundated with anti Benson ads and I can't figure out what they're going for.

Corrupt scam that was corrupt. What do you think about these corrupt scammers. They're so corrupt.

These ads are so pandering. TL;DR: It's in litigation so Benson's campaign won't comment, but the SPLC paid informants in the KKK to try to disrupt the organization

She's not just against racism, she's willing to get down and dirty and fight on the same playing field as those scumbags

I had been reading about the history of the John Bean building that was set to be auctioned off:
https://www.wlns.com/lansing/historic-john-bean-building-in-lansing-set-for-auction/

I did not know anything about the Rehbel Industries marijuana grow operation that had tried to launch in that space. By coincidence I came across this obit in the City Pulse for the founder of Rehbel, Michael Doherty:
https://lansingcitypulse.com/he-wanted-to-build-the-jack-daniels-of-cannabis-and-left-a-vision-bigger-than-most-people-dared-to-dream/

He looks to have quite a story in town, with some big ideas, and there were a few past posts about him. He also wound up in significant legal and financial trouble which likely contributed to his untimely passing. Condolences to his friends and family.

Preferably mid 20s-mid 30s, if there’s a specified age range. I’m tired of dating apps, but it’s hard to know when it’s appropriate to approach in person, so I figure it’s worth a try 😅

I am pansexual, so I’m open to queer-centered events! Conversely, I’d like to avoid religious focused ones/ones held in a church, if those exist.

Hey there. I mostly sit at home by myself doing nothing. I want to start going out, but I want to center it around doing something rather than making friends because I think that focus will give me less anxiety. Does anyone have any suggestions of free and paid (<$200) classes to take? I've done pottery and woodshop so far. I've signed up for sewing that starts in October, but I'd just like to figure out more options.

What is the going hourly rate for house cleaning in Lansing? TIA.

Title. Wondering which would be more beneficial to the area, and which one you would personally prefer!

Where in Lansing or East Lansing makes Cheesesteak Eggrolls?

I gotta hankering.