[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6098288,"mediaKeyId","2824187-b5de6a7091785ce9ea29c551bd4168cc","parentId",2824187,"title","Planning Commission briefed on comprehensive plan update timeline; draft to be reviewed April 9","audioSeconds",139,"startMs",937000,"endMs",1076000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2824187-b5de6a7091785ce9ea29c551bd4168cc&start=937&end=1076","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2824187-b5de6a7091785ce9ea29c551bd4168cc/thumbnail_937000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6098288/East-Lansing/Ingham-County/Michigan/Planning-Commission-briefed-on-comprehensive-plan-update-timeline-draft-to-be-reviewed-April-9","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6098288-cac209aab93d312b1ffe255f25c08ec6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108115&Signature=Fi~HLqzv8DgXstZaXieSPS5gWiq3mcfIh4aLA2i-EGQKKKfpSA5LNiEFtf6OvJnTfGfqr7oUiICA66uEMExn~aV9qjT86pemfUuMFjEhdFL3KXYFlZln6IgyLoIEHg8JORGBIKZrj~aaWPWGDd3nmWGxKAXdrjDijOlo9SZW1DtXqtmFpJgF0xizny3pBIit9OjheUeCQ-RfqJOdu0aNH819mNYO~ufLblRABWedX9cl6vdt3G-SFtfi-SZAPMWKPOKpapVbLjnMR1Jkve6Sci26O1F6-EO9Ie0utbF5-TCGNLa0oOFFIM6hRAPj~7VzEU6diLpQtZ4~UzbcDBjdKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","CityofEastLansing","date","2025-03-26T00:00:00Z","article","City planning staff on March 26 briefed the Planning Commission on progress for the city’s comprehensive-plan update and a related coordinating committee’s work.

Landon Bartley said the coordinating committee — which included members of the commission and staff — has been meeting regularly for over a year. The draft plan has been distributed internally to committee members and will be presented to the Planning Commission at its April 9 meeting. Following initial comment by the commission, staff intends to open a six-week public review and distribution period that will include notice to neighboring jurisdictions, utilities and railroads. After the public-review period the plan will return to the commission for a public hearing; staff expects commission recommendation to go to City Council in mid- to late summer.

Bartley said committee discussions emphasized implementation steps and aligning the draft with community engagement findings. Commissioners were asked to prepare for a substantive April 9 review to initiate the public-distribution phase of the adoption process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission - 26 Mar 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff said the draft comprehensive-plan update was distributed to the coordinating committee and will be posted for Planning Commission review on April 9 before a public distribution and six-week review period. Commissioners were asked to take an initial look and forward the draft to City Council after the commission’s review period.","taxTitle","East Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan","taxId",55176,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6098292,"Planning Commission recommends clarifying zoning and sign code amendments to City Council",166,4956000,5122000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2824187-b5de6a7091785ce9ea29c551bd4168cc&start=4956&end=5122","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2824187-b5de6a7091785ce9ea29c551bd4168cc/thumbnail_4956000.jpg","/articles/6098292/East-Lansing/Ingham-County/Michigan/Planning-Commission-recommends-clarifying-zoning-and-sign-code-amendments-to-City-Council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6098292-14822e08eae086620fdd2386b2bfb3f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108115&Signature=S7iFeP7eqLQQVKpfOUEwXfDMsqSxvKuGDaTJ~ilWM72fjEJKKRWMvAeqUnSDHCJ4rnsYPBJkJlL~HbaF6bZnpCnpAMK0Hoa~Z3x-t3f2Qs8LPJj4N8de7VFF0kvFGBho0DNZTv2y0FFs7Id6oSALd2C-BpFuV6o6W9pO7fQ6rkYMEewveQCn58EpmXZDdbtkflNLwBAWZX~4lgTvQp~PQQ8t8Nr4VnpkOFmS3fvtedP50pLA6D95i6yLjzVtjJ4Ya9UVlcn~QONkJL-OX7tkNhb1RnLgQw26PNha-7Ibgx5H2zaNWkzJY6ckTCkISVWnMMd-5wQX~Cji~wmCzVmtOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Lansing Planning Commission on March 26 voted to recommend City Council approve Ordinance 15-43, a set of corrections and clarifications to the city’s zoning (chapter 50) and sign (chapter 32) codes.

Landon Bartley, planning staff, described the package as non-policy edits intended to improve clarity and administration of the ordinances. The proposed changes include updates to definitions for front, rear and side lot lines — specifically how the code treats lots that front on more than one street and how corner lot lines are referenced — and a conforming change to yard definitions so setbacks apply consistently. Bartley asked the commission to also adopt one additional staff revision: allow the planning director to determine which boundary most closely conforms to adjacent development patterns when a lot faces more than two streets.

Commissioners praised the work by staff and associate planner Grace Whitney, who helped draft the redlines. After brief discussion the commission moved, seconded and approved a recommendation that Council adopt the amendments; the recommendation included the additional definition clarifications proposed by staff that were discussed at the meeting.

Bartley told commissioners to expect additional ordinance amendments later in the year tied to the comprehensive-plan update and other policy work. The planning commission’s recommendation will go to City Council, which is scheduled to consider ordinance changes at a future meeting.","The commission voted to recommend City Council approve Ordinance 15-43, a package of corrections and clarifications to the zoning (chapter 50) and sign (chapter 32) ordinances, including staff-proposed refinements to definitions for lots and yards to clarify corner/front lotlines.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6098294,"Planning Commission grants one-year extension for seasonal Timber Sauna park at 270 W. Grand River",237,4843000,5080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2824187-b5de6a7091785ce9ea29c551bd4168cc&start=4843&end=5080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2824187-b5de6a7091785ce9ea29c551bd4168cc/thumbnail_4843000.jpg","/articles/6098294/East-Lansing/Ingham-County/Michigan/Planning-Commission-grants-one-year-extension-for-seasonal-Timber-Sauna-park-at-270-W-Grand-River","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6098294-867d826dcb20158e89091975c4a36950/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108115&Signature=TEHeoeoL2B1QyDKy7VqWaoSw3fTcS29hW06TKfTO7rghwtfoSMakciM3nx86FXKfesZJ7BNwIRt0hUOO3R5K~JkPzqXkQ4GVHtFwx6gkem2uHQXpTxW3-matr0feySQ7gbhkJ299NT8-BZFkRXrk5rERvigUdsKrGvkOsS5Yt6b4ReIgXW~yzY6YZoxwC8IEFUIgMtiJU3B1l7w9SPxz~EWB8AMkXvzVj1Ed3UeLrdluY4XWzJCebIfD5ZvJz6dShs-8DFdRlQ-lYcgxFgB29oEsnJaSRoHx3bQRVFxUiRSYYL9Kcy-VV29O3Nlu9bhfeImltr2D2dU7eMRlVDmzsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Lansing Planning Commission on March 26 recommended a one-year extension for Timber Sauna Company’s previously approved seasonal sauna park at 270 W. Grand River Ave., extending the permit to expire May 2, 2026.

Daniel Downs, founder of Timber Sauna Company, told commissioners the project has been delayed by an unusual and unresolved set of Michigan building-code questions for a temporary seasonal structure. He said the company is working with the city’s building and planning staff to produce required drawings and to meet the code’s structural and safety requirements.

Downtown property owner DTN is listed as the site owner in the application materials; Mr. Downs said he has a lease agreement contingent on permitting and that a formal lease would be executed after land-use approvals. Commissioners asked about parking and how seasonal operation would fit alongside existing tenants; Mr. Downs said the sauna footprint would use approximately the southwest corner of the vacant lot (about 2,700 square feet) and the remainder of the lot would remain parking under DTN control.

Commissioner Overby moved to recommend approval of the requested extension; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The recommendation will proceed to City Council as the next step in the permit timeline.

Mr. Downs told the commission he has interest from user groups (running and fitness groups, wellness-oriented users) and that while saunas in Michigan often see higher demand in colder months, a seasonal program could be used in summer months as well.","The commission approved a one-year extension for Timber Sauna Company’s previously approved seasonal sauna park, citing the applicant’s need for additional time to resolve building-code and permit issues.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6098296,"Planning Commission backs Pizza Walla’s request to serve alcohol at East Grand River location",361,2924000,3285000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2824187-b5de6a7091785ce9ea29c551bd4168cc&start=2924&end=3285","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2824187-b5de6a7091785ce9ea29c551bd4168cc/thumbnail_2924000.jpg","/articles/6098296/East-Lansing/Ingham-County/Michigan/Planning-Commission-backs-Pizza-Wallas-request-to-serve-alcohol-at-East-Grand-River-location","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6098296-65afe4f911f0e442e8696ebd14370636/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108115&Signature=noMYds2oczW4T-7a-OYsHLxN4xR8r3g9vHVUT6GiEVcu~e6zC~gF96fcMtaBJ9e-zy8nbu8aT6BpNgdwBTHeMHs6-dVJvt4wpxSCE3ucAJJJS8r6ZyI0jryKRFs38etDL7Kef9L2Fl-edhIFFfX~3zU7DGSGPymoYXL45EuLieKNyAXw7u~1ZCEkuTlW-iW7BqpU0SoPP0bigqlx9hawW359QtYwD-njxZXxIedkEQh3rPMQ1zM7TgNMhW3eRgOHpWn37yGwCEMaFy5z15kY5ltzWe~TaFrChGFBLUzALEhhj4Sppf00B8EnuYYCB974zWEDkLto8NmO45UTa5xI~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Lansing Planning Commission on March 26 recommended City Council approve a special-use permit allowing Pizza Walla to serve on-site alcohol at 523 E. Grand River Ave.

Grace Whitney, associate planner, said the applicant proposes indoor seating of at least 128 diners, a seasonal patio with up to 32 seats on private property and an overall patron capacity not to exceed 260 persons. Whitney noted the application had been routed to police and the department raised no objections; the fire department had minor comments on exit illumination.

Commissioner Overby moved and Commissioner Chapin seconded the motion to recommend approval with conditions. Those conditions — largely patterned on requirements applied to nearby establishments — include obtaining all required building permits; filing the approved special-use memorandum with the Ingham County Register of Deeds; limiting hours of operation to 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; prohibiting persons under 21 from being on the premises after 11 p.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; vacating the outdoor service area by 11 p.m.; and ensuring the seasonal outdoor seating does not increase the facility’s overall permitted capacity.

Grace Whitney and staff said the renderings are conceptual and the final finishes may vary but the plan, floor plan and patio layout would be approved as submitted and per testimony. Commissioners asked that any outdoor seating comply with Liquor Control Commission rules (a hard barrier is required for outdoor alcohol service) and discussed pedestrian/bike access and potential impacts on nearby patios such as the Peanut Barrel; staff said notices had been sent to businesses within 300 feet and the DDA would also review the project.

After discussion the commission approved the recommendation to council. The commission’s action forwards the special-use permit, with the stated conditions, to City Council for final decision.","The Planning Commission recommended council approval for Pizza Walla to serve on-site alcohol at 523 E. Grand River Ave., including limits on hours and outdoor seating and a maximum facility capacity.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6098298,"East Lansing Planning Commission postpones decision on proposed Meijer gas station to April 9",2445,4226000,6671000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2824187-b5de6a7091785ce9ea29c551bd4168cc&start=4226&end=6671","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2824187-b5de6a7091785ce9ea29c551bd4168cc/thumbnail_4226000.jpg","/articles/6098298/East-Lansing/Ingham-County/Michigan/East-Lansing-Planning-Commission-postpones-decision-on-proposed-Meijer-gas-station-to-April-9","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6098298-f4799bafd3eb261d8596d1ebb8f30631/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108115&Signature=XLrp8dYD6nig~1zeGk2~CxncpW4PVKyAn99eAdJBKtWH7qKVrZlnAqyU9-Eg6gAHkDxtts-LSwrsMIY1ztodMxrp1rpUDxHzHF0Fg7eOPan4h5Yhsmxab3lwzcJ6jfvS5dM2Ugo4NFoPgxq0sYOjuCfUhX54eJIPTLurvibvv8VUUmGqKWPSCmimOU-1ECio4Pn83k47qAfWz-HqPEEasCJWtjYb7-LGmpPHaT5SZSTToBlUEjDjeX3jdNwCF2MLFs32TYakpZAXOLX54EdRjjaydSAqjgPczUM-9DziA9-dPznNHIgdazaryLBNJnnyqLSp5e~ArXKkr-BjbUHUOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Lansing Planning Commission on March 26 voted to postpone a recommendation to City Council on a proposed Meijer fuel station at 100 W. Lake Lansing Road until its April 9 meeting.

The commission’s delay followed more than an hour of testimony from Meijer representatives and the site owner, questions from multiple commissioners about stormwater, tree preservation and buffering, and staff requests for more detail on tree surveys and engineering responses. Commissioner David Chapin moved to defer the item; the motion carried on a roll-call vote.

Landon Bartley, planning staff, summarized outstanding technical items including a need for a tree survey and a stormwater-quality plan; Alicia Wright, planning staff, noted that some building and landscape changes had been submitted but that not all concerns were fully addressed. Matt Levitt, Meijer real estate manager, told the commission Meijer had adjusted building colors, added spandrel glass “windows” and would work on buffering if neighbors required fencing or other screening. Jim Rozema of Colliers Engineering and Design described proposed underground detention and other engineering responses to public-works comments.

Jason Kilday of Gillespie Group, the property owner, said the parcel was marketed and that multiple national convenience-store and fuel operators had sought the site; he urged the commission to consider the application on its merits and noted it is zoned to allow automobile service centers as a special use.

Several nearby property owners and a longtime neighbor urged denial or further study. Janice Maxson, whose property abuts the site, said the lot “is not zoned for a service station” under the neighborhood’s future land use intent and warned of increased traffic and noise. Commissioners pressed Meijer and the owner on why Meijer had not pursued placing a fueling facility on the existing Meijer store site and asked staff to compile the historical record of any prior inquiries or denials.

The commission set a date-certain continuation to the April 9 meeting and asked staff to return with (1) the city’s record of prior contacts or decisions related to siting fuel facilities on the Lake Lansing Meijer outlot, (2) engineering/stormwater clarifications required by DPW, (3) the tree survey and preservation analysis, and (4) any additional documentation about how the proposed building changes address the city’s compatibility standards.

The commission did not take a final vote on the special-use recommendation; the continuation preserves the item for council consideration after the Planning Commission reconsiders it.

The item will return to the commission April 9 with the requested materials.","The Planning Commission deferred action on Meijer’s proposed standalone fuel station at 100 W. Lake Lansing Road after extended public comment and technical questions. Commissioners requested more information about prior attempts to site a fuel facility at the existing Meijer store and additional design and stormwater details.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning Commission briefed on comprehensive plan update timeline; draft to be reviewed April 9

Planning Commission recommends clarifying zoning and sign code amendments to City Council

Planning Commission grants one-year extension for seasonal Timber Sauna park at 270 W. Grand River

Planning Commission backs Pizza Walla’s request to serve alcohol at East Grand River location

East Lansing Planning Commission postpones decision on proposed Meijer gas station to April 9