[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6466097,"mediaKeyId","5825789-1a7dc1f81b0a2ca7f2e3fb9145e7e910","parentId",5825789,"title","Council approves Land Shark expansion with conditions, limits occupancy to 240","audioSeconds",304,"startMs",2849000,"endMs",3153000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825789-1a7dc1f81b0a2ca7f2e3fb9145e7e910&start=2849&end=3153","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825789-1a7dc1f81b0a2ca7f2e3fb9145e7e910/thumbnail_2849000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6466097/East-Lansing/Ingham-County/Michigan/Council-approves-Land-Shark-expansion-with-conditions-limits-occupancy-to-240","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466097-e65c6cf553848d171ba86d6e37ff6492/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139897&Signature=Ns5Kif3~tAOLSL4CthRwKT06bmVUSbzZQI59JvDAHjLN96bkRuPc3XaSFBrN1HLh1REOBG0Hf9V9sOAROjPiWDMLLfOD9Zlga-tQO2P1y0ZIw1rUCq8xQe22iuSDehZDKpS-vtrC0myktMkncjknajz3uCK3MjppsO-oRD7ZiIwYbQXC8rS4NvTXSnsBeBizbmP-IxId7~hmEPIHWjLRoL5ZlNfjUrcS9AEz2hlVcLLjnv5V0LzzNTQRnp~o~guzVB0S~qcqbDzH6cAV8Wf1MB0dQ0P-6pAfQdH6UEEql43pQBWbGPsZhatMBikDQfKmCId3-74xiXc9rrUxWkM-vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","East Lansing, Michigan","date","2025-09-24T17:03:10.12Z","article","The East Lansing City Council approved a special‑use permit to expand the Land Shark at 101 E. Grand River Ave. on Tuesday, allowing alcohol service and an increased indoor patron capacity capped at 240 people.

Why it matters: The decision allows the downtown hospitality business to increase seating and operate with a higher occupancy, subject to ten conditions intended to address life‑safety, nuisance and enforcement concerns.

The council approved the permit 4‑1. Council member Meadows moved the approval and was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Singh. Council member Aldman voted in opposition.

The planning department confirmed the applicant, Joe David, revised the layout to add 28 physical seats as requested by council at an earlier meeting. Alicia Wright of the Planning Department told council the applicant’s state license is active and that occupancy is determined by building code. Wright also noted prior recommendations from the Planning Commission and the Downtown Development Authority.

The approval included 10 conditions: compliance with the applicant’s plans and any required revisions; a maximum indoor occupancy of 240 per building and fire code requirements; obtaining all building and sign permits; development in accordance with state and local statutes and codes; recording the memorandum of special use with the county register of deeds before taking effect; an after‑11 p.m. policy prohibiting unaccompanied persons under 21; maintaining required state liquor licensing and city entertainment permits; working with police to implement a security plan and staff training; operating consistent with responsible business practices to avoid public nuisances; and compliance with the City Code performance standards for businesses selling alcoholic beverages (section 50‑94 and chapter 18).

Applicant remarks: Joe David told council he would add the requested 28 seats and described patrons’ preferences for seating and a dance floor as part of the revised plan.

Next steps: The memorandum of special use must be recorded with the Ingham County Register of Deeds for the approval to take effect. The applicant must also obtain required building permits and any state and city alcohol/entertainment approvals before operating under the new occupancy.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular Council - 23 Sep 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The City Council approved a special use permit to expand the Land Shark bar/restaurant at 101 E. Grand River Ave., including alcohol service and a maximum indoor occupancy of 240, by a 4‑1 vote; one council member opposed.","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},6466101,"East Lansing council delays vote on changes to Police Oversight Commission, releases cross‑reference document",5377,87000,5464000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825789-1a7dc1f81b0a2ca7f2e3fb9145e7e910&start=87&end=5464","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825789-1a7dc1f81b0a2ca7f2e3fb9145e7e910/thumbnail_87000.jpg","/articles/6466101/East-Lansing/Ingham-County/Michigan/East-Lansing-council-delays-vote-on-changes-to-Police-Oversight-Commission-releases-crossreference-document","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466101-83181eb3b83b006e6d873cba2b7cc5d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139897&Signature=UFgbY7s65SaVpcls29fNsc2P-74r2TD119V1xLPwNuzFPbh87vpk9k9WOhDWC22r6-HV8NZY15jdmUxpTP1tRvp0N4yV1yPOJaYZWLFtei0z~cEN2aQIHcMm-Xx~AQTuFJwWnyxVc0u6Au99QgEEHF4rdFXDmOxC4-AoAb2la8vPcTt9K7UkGrN-sPLNdvTiPqcxgvlx4ouqAnXl59dD-AIUpABszemO595egBdh9jV6zjLqAFQD3A8mk8DJUtHuUQnMMhXKZtKqhd3wyWxwoQAB37nxSycVrx7iDM1NETsxCulZgmQIDbaXOgw67kek1lFpk4z0hzf~lGpZXHy72g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Lansing City Council on Tuesday deferred a second reading and possible adoption of Ordinance 15‑53 — changes to the City’s Independent Police Oversight Commission — to the council’s Oct. 21 meeting and voted to release a cross‑reference document clarifying the ordinance’s amendments.

The measures came after multiple members of the public urged council to reject the ordinance as drafted and preserve the commission’s investigatory powers. Council voted to defer the ordinance to Oct. 21 by unanimous voice vote. Later, on a roll‑call vote, the council voted 4‑1 to release the cross‑reference document; Council member Altman voted no, and Council members Meadows, Watson, Singh and Mayor Brookover voted yes.

Why it matters: Numerous speakers during the public comment period said the proposed changes would weaken civilian oversight, reduce transparency and limit the commission’s ability to investigate police conduct. The council’s decision to delay final action gives staff and council more time to consider the legal and operational implications and for a pending review requested by council members.

Public comment highlighted concerns about the ordinance’s effects. Chris Root, a member of the Independent Police Oversight Commission who spoke on his own behalf, asked the council to “consider releasing to the public and the commission the cross referencing document clarifying the source of changes to ordinance 15‑53,” noting the commission had asked for those materials since Aug. 12 to prepare for its next meeting. Karen Haney, speaking on behalf of the Human Rights Commission, said the proposed amendments “would strip the Independent Police Oversight Commission of its powers” and expressed concern the changes would undermine public trust.

Council discussion and next steps: Council members debated timing and legal risk. A motion to defer the second reading and possible adoption to the Oct. 21 business agenda passed unanimously. Separately, under agenda item 4.8, a motion to release the cross‑reference document passed on a roll call vote 4‑1. At least one council member noted labor counsel advised caution on releasing the document immediately.

Chief John Brown and other staff were asked to continue reviewing downtown public safety and related processes; the council signaled it will take additional time to consider the ordinance in the context of those broader discussions.

The ordinance and the cross‑reference document will return to the council on Oct. 21 for further consideration. The record of votes and the released cross‑reference document will be available in the city meeting packet.","After extensive public comment opposing changes to Ordinance 15‑53, the City Council deferred final action on the ordinance to Oct. 21 and approved releasing a cross‑reference document clarifying amendments to the Independent Police Oversight Commission.",{"_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},6466086,"Votes at a glance: council approves equipment purchases, staffing contract and land actions; multiple items pass unanimously",60,3666000,3726000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825789-1a7dc1f81b0a2ca7f2e3fb9145e7e910&start=3666&end=3726","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825789-1a7dc1f81b0a2ca7f2e3fb9145e7e910/thumbnail_3666000.jpg","/articles/6466086/East-Lansing/Ingham-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-council-approves-equipment-purchases-staffing-contract-and-land-actions-multiple-items-pass-unanimously","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466086-29fe8fc7e1c8c69909dd7734226a5144/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139897&Signature=HBwHOOILP-7IX5237~zrv4BY8iXHSah11JVv5ZXjgqsYFX0fsXWBiNIKrmP841SPMR-rX1BLy1nG4SZwWn7JipS9tvQuwaZEUfVileuU75IJm7rHyRLfxRB6aQqP~FryTXex9DTdkdsLMl3NDiuH~kGiJRksjcpbHxsJbW-DaaUW7sEJRC5PSGbKeDlPwIhiOnkE-zuh9aTFhRQfTwCrTEfqU8tlFVSL16LAloSxHl~Nr8ehIZ0gFCDZ5znaObVw0xyUxuR4Vc-fQfqYC66Xzg6cfbYX5eAE2v3rhSRCxEqahzwpAuGB9dZsoHQTD7bTEHYpWGSRcMXtHbgeymGRdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Lansing City Council on Tuesday approved a series of routine and capital actions, including equipment purchases, a landfill monitoring contract extension, a platted right‑of‑way vacation and the city manager’s employment contract. Many items passed unanimously; a handful of higher‑profile measures were decided separately and are reported elsewhere.

Key outcomes

- City manager contract: Council approved an employment contract with Robert V. Bellman extending his term and setting an annual salary of $190,000 (an increase of $354 from prior contract line items as presented). The contract’s effective date was made retroactive to July 1 to align with the budget cycle. Vote: unanimous roll call.

- Truck hoist purchase: The council approved a contract with Stertil‑Koni USA, Inc. for purchase and installation of a new truck hoist in the amount of $316,647.32 with an additional 15% contingency, for a total authorized amount not to exceed $364,144.42. Staff said the current hoist was installed in 2005 and the new unit has an expected life cycle of about 20 years and an additional 40,000‑pound capacity. Vote: unanimous.

- Bircham (Burcham) Park Landfill monitoring: The council approved a not‑to‑exceed contract extension of $41,100 with Matthews & Associates for continued groundwater and gas monitoring and consulting related to the Burcham Park Landfill; the addition brings total contract funding to $102,300 (original award approximately $61,200). Council included a friendly amendment that the contract be subject to city attorney review; vote: unanimous.

- Right‑of‑way vacation: The council adopted a policy resolution vacating the platted public right‑of‑way between 533 Ardsen Road and 535 Ardsen Road, effective Oct. 23, 2025. Staff advised the drain in the alley was likely privately constructed, not to city standards, and recommended a 30‑day effective period to allow neighboring property owners time to complete easements. Vote: unanimous.

- Consent agenda and appointments: The council approved multiple appointments to boards and commissions, several conditional rental licenses, and other consent agenda items. Vote: unanimous.

Procedure and notes: City staff indicated while the landfill consultant contract had not yet been legally reviewed, the council’s approval was conditioned on subsequent city attorney review. The truck hoist purchase was budgeted in the FY26 capital plan. The right‑of‑way vacation will become effective Oct. 23 and requires property owners to finalize easement language.

The council’s calendar includes further business on Oct. 21 when deferred items (including Ordinance 15‑53) will return for consideration.","On Tuesday the East Lansing City Council approved several contracts, a right‑of‑way vacation, and the city manager's employment contract; most measures passed unanimously. The council also approved a monitoring contract extension for the Burcham Park Landfill and a truck hoist purchase, among other routine items.",{"_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},6466091,"Council tables proposed downtown al‑fresco social district amid safety and implementation concerns",743,4538000,5281000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5825789-1a7dc1f81b0a2ca7f2e3fb9145e7e910&start=4538&end=5281","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5825789-1a7dc1f81b0a2ca7f2e3fb9145e7e910/thumbnail_4538000.jpg","/articles/6466091/East-Lansing/Ingham-County/Michigan/Council-tables-proposed-downtown-alfresco-social-district-amid-safety-and-implementation-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6466091-f52c53d41bd352e57ce566838407e923/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139897&Signature=RWFeQz2U3yQ6Cp6xAbPxGe~TzYiM5uVUaZF~YA9Ywy0m5svhWeh9Raf7BwQkynhcwiaotO0nisZr6cPfgcY8J6j~oqL9x-NOmz5WqRiquiYNP9GvMcy7S8PJgIdcoDZ~k6yH~5e0oz9KRYogd2Z00dg0C1ZMmfOIkg0XsCbyVGrzomIguQh2qF5snk7uSpyRD4CCuvJdvWWTlUCKk5FUEnhom~bM5agDFIi-fandmUYOhbTmMjgmETvXg469bezkpN3OE2Y-ht~ouq6u1zg1igiHa6N3AQupqu5il6PHl~N3hrYhkdHZahHvIuvWglhWL73Hl01O7V6I1jNNsft9fA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Lansing City Council on Tuesday voted 4‑1 to table consideration of a proposed downtown al‑fresco social district while staff and an interdepartmental committee address public‑safety and enforcement concerns.

Marcia Gabrowski, director of the Downtown Development Authority, presented the proposed social district and a management and maintenance plan. The plan mirrored the area used for the 2025 Albert Al Fresco event and included the Ann Street Plaza. Council previously requested a legal opinion on liability and enforcement; staff provided additional call data to the council packet.

Chief John Brown said enforcing the social‑district rules would be difficult under current downtown conditions and recommended taking a broader look at downtown safety and operations before establishing the district. The city manager and department directors announced formation of a committee to address downtown safety and operations; the committee is expected to meet weekly to develop proposals for council review.

Council debate focused on timing and readiness. Council member Meadows moved to defer the item until the chief and the committee complete their review and staff indicates the proposal is ready to return; the motion passed 4‑1. Council member Altman voted no.

Why it matters: A social district would allow carry‑out alcoholic beverages to be consumed in designated public spaces and requires local and state approvals and business participation. Council and staff said they want to address downtown safety, policing and operational issues holistically before pursuing the social district.

Next steps: Staff will convene the committee, continue outreach and return to council when a comprehensive recommendation and any necessary legal clarifications are available. Council members noted a community study by Michigan State University on al‑fresco feasibility is underway and may inform the work.","The City Council voted 4‑1 to defer consideration of creating a downtown social district (al‑fresco), asking staff and a newly formed interdepartmental committee to study downtown safety, enforcement and implementation before bringing a recommendation back to council.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves Land Shark expansion with conditions, limits occupancy to 240

East Lansing council delays vote on changes to Police Oversight Commission, releases cross‑reference document

Votes at a glance: council approves equipment purchases, staffing contract and land actions; multiple items pass unanimously

Council tables proposed downtown al‑fresco social district amid safety and implementation concerns