HomeMy WebLinkAboutMACIA Meeting Minutes 5.23.24 Army Schor,Mayor
Michigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority
Board of Director's Meeting
Friday, May 23, 2024 - 8:30 AM
Foster Community Center
200 N. Foster Ave., Room 211
Lansing, MI 48910
Members Present: Yvette Collins, Scott Gillespie, Joan Nelson, Laurie
Baumer, Elaine Barr, Jon Lum
Mayoral Designee:
Members Absent:
Facilitator Present: Alex Watkins (LEDC)
Public Present:
Recorded by: Yvette Collins
Call to Order/Roll call
Chair Lum welcomed everyone and called the MACIA Board of Directors meeting to
order at 8:33 a.m.
Approval of the April 19, 2024, MACIA Meeting Minutes - Action
MOTION: Collins moved to approve the April MACIA Meeting Minutes. Motion
seconded by Baumer.
YEAS: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Corridor Street Name Toppers
A proposed street sign topper project is being coordinated for all CIAs. There was
discussion about identifying existing neighborhoods street sign toppers within the
corridor's district. The board continued discussion about the logistics of the project and
Nelson suggested waiting until the Michigan Avenue construction is complete.The board
agreed to keep this topic as a placeholder for a later discussion as a monthly agenda
item. It was agreed that this does not require any action at this time.
Review of 2024/2025 MACIA Budget
1
Watkins explained that MACIA would have to amend the 2024 budget for the contract
for Canopy to begin on 6/1/24. Watkins highlighted the items on the budget and added
a 12th of Jennifer's budget. Will discuss at the June meeting.
Watkins will make any edit/correction to the budget document and provide the
amended budget at June's meeting.
Block 2000 Facade Update
Watkins shared that he went to visit the businesses personally and Gillespie did as well.
They received six applications for facade improvements from business along the corridor.
The Facade committee at the LEDC looked over the applications and they have been
recommended for approval by the Facade committee. Baumer asked if MACIA would
have an opportunity to review as a partner and Watkins confirmed it would be possible.
Watkins said MACIA can review it at the June meeting.The overall amount for the project
is still close to $750,000. The design committee will be reviewing, and Watkins will provide
updates from there at the next meeting.
Board Membership Update
Lum shared that Dr. McSwain stepped down from the board. This has been relayed to
the mayor's office to make it official. Lum updated MACIA with the news that Tim Damen
did make it through the vetting process. He should be sworn in on June 12th via the
committee and then approved by council on the June 17th and should be able to join
the June 21st MACIA meeting. Watkins believes there may be a Sparrow person added
in the future.
Other Business
Nelson wanted to bring MACIA up speed on the Michigan Avenue construction. She
shared that Andy Kilpatrick came to a neighborhood meeting and he addressed about
40 people. The board discussed the various opportunities offered by different entities
including MACIA to help business along Michigan Ave. during this time. There was
discussion about making sure that businesses know that the city and MACIA are offering
to help. Nelson will try to loop Jennifer from Canopy Creative into the discussions. Baumer
suggested using the dotheavenue on the signs to draw people to the website with
information on.
Nelson shared info on the Read and Ride Eastside tour on June 8th. Touring Eastside
hotspots. Will end at Everybody Reads. Nelson suggested we also continue to have
construction updates. Baumer asked for clarity on the $50,000 from the city for the
Community Foundation. It is not clear to her where it is allocated from. Lum confirmed
that it was from MACIA. Lum said the city's money has not been received. Baumer shared
the Community Foundation Fund Activity.
Gillespie shared that he met with a guy who does work for downtown East Lansing. He's
done social media for East Lansing. Gillespie may use him to do work behind his buildings
with the mural. Gillespie suggested we see if Canopy can do something similar. Collins
asked if MACIA plans to invite Canopy to the next meeting in June.
Public Comment
None
Adjournment
2
Chair Lum adjourned the Michigan Avenue Board of Directors at 9:24 a.m.
Jonathan Lum, Chair
Michigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority
3