Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC 8-12-24 MinutesLANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Regular Meeting August 12, 2024 - 5:30 p.m. Neighborhood Empowerment Center 600 W Maple Street, Lansing, MI MINUTES – Approved 8/23/24 1. CALL TO ORDER – Chair Skillings called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. a. Roll Call: Present: James Bell, Jacklyn Lillis-Warwick, Cassandra Nelson, Carol Skillings, Sam Troutman Absences: Staff Present: Andrew Fedewa, Stephen Bezold 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Approved by unanimous consent. 3. COMMUNICATIONS – None 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS – None 5. DISCUSSION/ACTION a. Minutes for Approval – July 8, 2023. Minutes approved by unanimous consent. 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS – None 7. STAFF AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS – None 8. PRESENTATIONS – None 9. OTHER BUSINESS a. Eastern High School Councilmember Ryan Kost spoke on Old Eastern High School, stating that the site was within his ward and his personal family history with the school. Councilmember Kost informed the Commission that a group including himself were set to meet with University of Michigan Health – Sparrow to tour Old Eastern High School earlier in the day before they cancelled the meeting. Councilmember Kost requested that the Historic District Commission submit a resolution to form a study committee for the historic Eastern High School. He urged the Commission to act quickly, as UM Health – Sparrow may submit plans to deconstruct the site prior to the next regular meeting of the Historic District Commission. Jim Lynch, President of Eastern Alumni Association, gave more details on meeting with UM Health – Sparrow. Mary Toshach, President of Preservation Lansing, asked to receive any site plans and additional materials that UM Health – Sparrow have made available. Andy Schor Mayor Historic District Commission Minutes August 12, 2024 Page 2 ___________________________________________________________________________________ Ms. Nelson asked for clarification regarding the parcels that UM Health – Sparrow own as part of their medical campus, specifically the lot across Pennsylvania Ave. Mr. Fedewa responded that they do own that parcel and the vacated portion of Eighth St. between Michigan Ave. and Jerome St. Mr. Fedewa discussed some of the potential building siting Sparrow has made public with the new tower on vacated Jerome St. and the replacement of their central utility plant. Mr. Bell mentioned previous adaptive reuse projects within the City and requested the Commission to reach out to University of Michigan Board of Regents, who will vote on this project. Ms. Toshach recommended bringing in an architect with hospital design expertise to connect medical needs with the existing space at the Eastern High School site. Councilmember Kost stated UM Health – Sparrow is a teaching hospital, so the use of an educational facility could be necessary. Councilmember Kost spoke on discussions with UM Health – Sparrow where they indicated they do not understand the pushback over their demolition plan. He stated that there is historic value of the site compared to similar sites in Ann Arbor. The Commission discussed next steps and procedures for establishment of a historic district study committee. Ms. Lillis-Warwick made a motion, seconded by Ms. Troutman, to draft a resolution for the establishment of a Historic District Study Committee for the former Eastern High School, 220 N Pennsylvania Avenue. On a voice vote the motion passed unanimously (5-0). 10. PENDING ITEMS – None 11. ADJOURNMENT – 6:00 p.m.