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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDowntown Lansing, Inc. Minutes 04.09.26DOWNTOWN LANSING MARCH 2026 BOARD MEETING 215 S. WASHINGTON SQUARE STE. 100 DLI Board Meeting April 9 , 2026 | 11:30 am 215 S. Washington Square Ste. 100, Lansing, MI 48933 Members Present: J. Estill, K. Tomac, K. Klein, J. Flores, J. Pugh, J. Durham, A. Rusek Members Absent: J. Hinze Board Advisors Present: J. Lenon Staff Present: C. Edgerly, J. Markham, K. Litwin, M. Gonzales Minutes 1. Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 11:34 a.m. by J. Estill 2. Citizen’s Comments: None 3. Correspondence: None 4. Consent Agenda Approvals: ● Agenda April 9, 2026 ● Minutes from March 12, 2026 Meeting ● Committee Reports ● Monthly Financials Motion by A. Rusek to approve the consent agenda. Second by K. Tomac. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Old Town Updates: J. Lenon provided an update on the proposed renaming of Cesar E. Chavez Avenue. He reported that discussions among stakeholders have been collaborative and productive. Members of the Latino community have expressed a desire for a deliberate and thoughtful process, and City Council has agreed to not move forward to hastily, but move at a measured pacepace. The role of the Old Town Commercial Association (OTCA) is to serve as a partner throughout the process by bringing stakeholders together, facilitating communication, and sharing information. The first stakeholder meeting is scheduled for April 28 and will focus on businesses directly affected along the corridor. Additional public meetings will be held later. J. Lenon also shared several upcoming events and initiatives in Old Town, including Chalk of the Town, the Roper Romp, preparations for ArtFeast in August, and community clean-up events scheduled for April 26 and May 16. Several business updates were also provided: • Tanuki's Trading Post, specializing in anime and Japanese merchandise, has opened at 108 Chavez. • A new sports memorabilia business is opening nearby. • The Unicorn is under contract for sale but will remain The Unicorn; the new owners are currently working through liquor license approvals. • Good Truckin' Diner is also working on liquor licensing approvals. • The Fish Ladder concert venue opening with Starfarm is scheduled for May 29. DOWNTOWN LANSING MARCH 2026 BOARD MEETING 215 S. WASHINGTON SQUARE STE. 100 6. Reports: Director’s Report: M. Gonzales provided a recap of the Downtown Egg-Stravaganza event. Due to poor weather conditions, staff quickly pivoted operations to Grewal Hall and successfully moved the event indoors. Despite the weather challenges, more than 1,000 people attended and enjoyed activities downtown. C. Edgerly noted that the Big Red Ball date listed in the board packet was incorrect and shared the correct date. Save-the-Date materials are available and have been mailed to past year attendees and sponsors. The event will be held on Saturday, November 21. Staff professional development updates included J. Markham’s upcoming attendance at the Main Street Conference in Tulsa and M. Gonzales’ completion of the Leadership Lansing program. C. Edgerly also reported that DLI must vacate its storage area in the Atrium basement and relocate materials by the following Wednesday. This will be the fourth time staff have had to move these stored items. Additionally, DLI has begun working with Downtown Professionals Network (DPN) on a Technical Service project (Ready to Recruit) which is focused on business recruitment. ● President’s Report: J. Estill reported that The Nest shelter project is moving forward. Holy Cross is closing and The Nest will absorb it- with beds and clients being relocated to a new facility near Townsend and Kalamazoo Streets. The new facility will house 56 individuals experiencing homelessness and is expected to open around April 29. It will serve veterans, fathers with children, and teenage boys. In addition to overnight accommodation, the facility will offer daytime services for up to 160 individuals. 7. Action/Discussion Items: Lansing Shuffle Proposed Sale: K. Klein provided background on the proposed sale of Lansing Shuffle. Because the facility is located on park property, City Council must approve placing the sale proposal on a public ballot. Planning Commission recommended approval, while the Parks Board voted against recommending the sale. Board discussion focused on the future viability of the property, investor concerns, maintenance responsibilities, and potential refinancing challenges. City Parking Proposal: C. Edgerly reported that DLI and OTCA have been working together to evaluate proposed parking system changes and gather feedback from businesses, neighborhood groups, and city leadership. Key priorities include loading zones on every block and fifteen minutes of free parking. Board members were encouraged to attend the April 20 City Council public hearing and provide public DOWNTOWN LANSING MARCH 2026 BOARD MEETING 215 S. WASHINGTON SQUARE STE. 100 comment as well as written communications. OTCA and DLI will work together again on a collaborative written communication to Council. State of Downtown: C. Edgerly reported that the annual State of Downtown event is scheduled for April 15 at Impressions 5 Science Center, and will use an interactive workshop format to gather input from stakeholders regarding downtown priorities and future Capital City Fund investments. K. Tomac Board Seat Update: K. Tomac indicated her need to not renew her Board term after it ends this month - but stated that she’s not leaving DLI and will continue to serve as a volunteer on Promotions and other events she is a part of. The board thanked her for her service and dedication to the downtown community. MOTION by J. Pugh, SUPPORT from A. Rusek to accept the resignation of Keri Tomac. Motion passed unanimously. 8. New Business: None 9. Motion to Adjourn: A. Rusek motioned to adjourn at 12:11 p.m. 2nd by J. Durham. Motion approved unanimously.