City West, an ambitious city project designed to create a high-density, walkable district, has taken significant steps towards becoming a reality with proposed zoning changes recently presented to the Lansing City Council. The plan encompasses 250 acres along Grand River Avenue between Beck and Taft Streets, and includes provisions to protect existing residential properties near Grand River. Additional suggestions include limiting building heights to three stories and removing hotels/motels south of the road. Mayor Pro-tem Dave Staten expressed strong support for these changes at the podium.
City officials have ambitious plans to transform an area of the city, spanning 250 acres between Beck and Taft Roads along Grand River Avenue, into a “vibrant, walkable” district. Dubbed “City West”, the master plan established in 2016 called for combining entertainment, convention, commercial, office and residential uses in a high-density, interconnected environment. Now, the city has taken steps to put this vision into practice with proposed zoning changes.
These changes are the result of four years of hard work, and it is exciting to bring them before the City Council for consideration.
Limiting Building Heights and Removing Hotels/Motels as Potential Uses
Mayor Pro-tem Dave Staudt expressed strong support for protecting the existing residential properties near Grand River by limiting building heights to a maximum of three stories, and requiring any new construction to have a berm with appropriate landscaping. In addition, he suggested removing hotels and motels as potential uses on the south side of the road. The council generally seemed to be in agreement with these proposals.
However, they had a difference of opinion when it came to the setback distances; Staudt argued for 100 feet, while Councilmember Laura Marie Casey argued for 200 feet on certain corner lots. Despite this disagreement, both councilmembers expressed their desire to ensure that there would be adequate protections in place to safeguard wetlands and woodlands, as well as to make infrastructure improvements to accommodate increased pedestrian traffic.
Mayor Bob Gatt proudly suggested an underpass as a viable solution to the difficult and unsafe task of crossing Grand River on foot. He proposed that the underpass could be done in a way that would make it more accessible to those with disabilities and elders, as well as providing a safer option. Councilmember Laura Marie Casey and Councilmember Staudt were also in agreement that adequate protections should be put in place to safeguard wetlands and woodlands, as well as making infrastructure improvements to accommodate increased pedestrian traffic. SMART’s recent bus route expansion plan includes a stop in the proposed City West district, furthering the need for this project.
Planner Barb McBeth said the 2016 master plan had three areas for redevelopment, including Sakura, Walled Lake, and City West; an area which has been underutilized for years. She added that the planning staff has not seen many development plans for the area in the past decade. Mayor Gatt expressed his enthusiasm to further discuss the project and provide feedback.
Ultimately, the City West master plan has moved closer to becoming a reality. The introduction of new zoning laws has empowered local leaders to ensure that developments honor surrounding residential neighborhoods and consider environmentally-sustainable practices. The proposal reflects the commitment of city officials to create a walkable, vibrant hub, and all signs point to City West becoming a positive addition for residents and visitors alike.
