HomeMy WebLinkAboutS. MLK Corridor Improvement Minutes 06.18.26South Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Corridor Improvement
Authority Board of Director’s Monthly Meeting
Thursday, June 18, 2026 – 1:00 PM Thursday,
UA Local Plumbers and Pipefitters
5334 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Lansing, MI 48910
Members Present:Jeremy Matthews, Melissa White, Don “Moose”
Sober, Amanda Defrees, Kristina Schmidgall,
Dustin HowardMayoral Designee:
Members Absent:
Facilitator Present:Kahleea Washington (Lansing EDC)
Guest Present:Kris Klein (President, Lansing EDC); Amiee Evans (Director of
Economic Development, Lansing EDC); Jazmin Anderson
(LEAP), Paul Anderson (SWAG), Aurora Mckissic (LEAP), Greg
Mustric (Woda Group), George (Woda Group), Luke (Woda
Group), Angelique Dupere (Inverve)
Brad SimtobPublic Present:
Recorded by:Melissa White
Call to Order/Roll call
Chair Defrees called the MLK CIA Board of Directors meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. White did
Roll Call.
Board Member Justin Howard joined the meeting at 1:32 p.m
Approval of May 21, 2026, MLK CIA Meeting Minutes – Action
The present board members reviewed the proposed meeting minutes and had no edits.
MOTION:
YEAS:
Member Matthews; Motion seconded by Member White
Unanimous. Motion carried.
Brightwood Crossing Development Presentation
Representatives from Woda Cooper Companies presented the proposed Brightwood Crossing
affordable housing development at the former Metro Bowl site. The project would include 124
one, two, and three-bedroom units. Planned amenities include a community room, fitness center,
playground, dog park, common laundry facilities, and accessible common areas.
Woda Cooper would develop, construct, own, and manage the property. The team has also
engaged City and County officials, community organizations, and the Lansing Housing
Commission regarding potential partnerships and supportive housing opportunities.1
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Update on the LEDC and CIA Service Agreement
Washington presented the proposed Contract for Services between the Lansing EDC and the
City of Lansing Corridor Improvement Authorities. The document was included in the meeting
packet and outlines the scope of work for Kahleea’s role as well as areas where additional
support may be possible. Representatives from the Lansing EDC, President Kris Klein, and
Director of Economic Development Amiee Evans were present to address any questions or
concerns.The board made general inquiries about the length of the agreement, the billing structure for
additional service hours, and the timeline of execution and negotiations. The board chair is
expected to finalize the agreement with the LEDC.
Board Member Schmidgall made a motion to authorize Chair Defrees to negotiate, finalize, and
execute on the MLKCIA’s behalf, the FY2027 Contract for Services with the Lansing EDC."
Motion: Member Schmidgall supported seconded by Member Matthews
YEAS: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Marketing Presentation- Inverve
InVerve presented the draft S. MLK CIA website developed through HubSpot. The website
framework is complete, but additional corridor photographs and accurate event information are
needed before the site can launch. InVerve agreed to prioritize the remaining website updates
with a target launch date of July 1. InVerve will return for the July 16 meeting to provide an
update and discuss branded materials, including business cards, identification badges, and a
one-page informational document. No formal action was taken.
SWAG Southwest Fest Presentation
Paul Anderson and Jazmin Anderson proposed a partnership between SWAG and the S. MLK
CIA to bring Southwest Fest to the corridor. The free, family-friendly event is tentatively planned
for Sunday, September 20, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., with La Mulata’s outdoor space being
considered as the location. Proposed activities include live entertainment, children’s activities,
food vendors, and resource tables featuring local organizations and service providers.
SWAG will develop sponsorship levels and share them with the board. The organization
requested support from the Authority through sponsorship, outreach to corridor businesses and
community partners, and participation at the event.
Board members expressed interest in supporting the event, recruiting additional sponsors,
involving corridor food vendors.
Other Business
NA
Adjournment
Chair Defrees made a motioned to Adjourn the meeting at 1:10 p.m. Member Matthews
seconded.
The development team requested the board’s support through letters or resolutions, attendance
at public hearings, and assistance connecting with community events and residents.
Board members asked questions regarding accessibility, amenities, property management,
financing, community partnerships, and long-term maintenance. The board expressed general
support for the proposed development and asked the representatives to keep the Authority
informed as the project progresses. No formal action was taken.
Amanda Defrees , Chair
Chairperson, South Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Corridor Improvement Authority
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