HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-18-2022 Michigan Avenue Improvement Authority
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Michigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority
Board of Director’s Meeting
Friday, March 18, 2022 – 8:30 AM
Armory Building
330 Marshall Street 3rd Floor Board Room
Lansing, MI 48912
Members Present: Jonathan Lum, Yvette Collins, Scott Gillespie, Joan
Nelson, Joe Ruth, Elaine Barr, Laurie Baumer,
Dr. Andrea McSwain (8:47am)
Mayoral Designee:
Members Absent:
Facilitator Present: Kambriana Gates (LEAP)
Public Present: Andy Fedewa (City of Lansing), Ben Russ, Joe
Weisenburg, Nancy M. Daniel
Public Present: None
Recorded by: Kambriana Gates
Call to Order / Roll call / Overview
Lum welcomed everyone and called the MACIA Board of Directors meeting to order at
8:33 a.m. Gates confirmed a quorum as present.
Approval of the February Meeting Minutes (Action)
MOTION: Baumer moved to approve the February MACIA Meeting Minutes. Motion
seconded by Nelson.
YEAS: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Current MACIA Financials
Chair Lum the estimated financials.
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MACIA Project Matrix
Chair Lum refreshed the board on other projects from previous years. When the board
has an updated matrix, they will bring that back to the board to add other projects as
they see fit.
Façade Proposal Update
Baumer gave an update on the proposal that was given to the City to request façade
dollars. Gates gave an update that Mayor Schor confirmed that the City is giving MACIA
$100,000 for the façade pilot proposal to match the other funds.
Establish MOU & Resolution for 2000 Block Match (Action)
Chair Lum shared that MACIA will need to create an M.O.U and a resolution for how and
when the funds will be expended. A motion to have Baumer and Lum create an M.O.U.
and resolution on the use of funds and where they will be used was moved by Barr and
seconded by Ruth.
Updates from Charlie Krupka
Baumer gave Charlie's update. A second appointment with Studio Intrigue went well and
business owners were supportive of the proposed projects. Ruth asked if everyone had
to have buy-in within the project which was confirmed that all business owners. Gillespie
added about the green door and wishing it could have more change with that. Business
owners also would like to know how the improvements may increase their rents.
Other Business
Ruth asked when will the Michigan Avenue infrastructure project be used and when this
will occur. Gates will connect with Andy Kilpatrick on what specifically this project will
look like and when this will occur. Gillespie spoke with Spadafords who own the vacant
lot by the hot tub shop about cleaning that space up. Gillespie talked to the owner of
Arcadia who is willing to put in a landscaping match on Michigan Avenue. Gillespie also
added that MACIA should have an identity which Nelson also gave name ideas. Baumer
and Nelson added to engage the neighborhood and someone who does branding in
this “naming” realm. Dr. McSwain added the idea of a survey for the neighborhood
name. Ruth suggested LEAP to be involved with the name change as they are working
with MEDTECH.
Motion to approve for a subcommittee for engaging community on branding. Gillespie
moved to create a branding subcommittee for the naming of Michigan Avenue. Motion
seconded by Ruth.
Subcommittee members: Dr. Andrea McSwain, Joan Nelson, Gillespie, Sparrow and
members of the public will join the subcommittee.
Public Comment
Nancy added concern about the condition of the sidewalks as it is a hazard near the
2000 and 2100 block.
Lum asked Fedewa about this and Fedewa will check with Andy Kilpatrick on the grinding
for the sidewalk. Nancy also added the negative appearance of the All Good Year shop
on the corridor which Ruth shared they are removing that to create more green space.
Daniel (public) also added the issue of walkability and also the issues with driving.