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Council approves Albert Alfresco 2025 street closures; rejects immediate return to larger pre-2024 footprint
Summary
City Council approved the Albert Alfresco site plan and lane closures for May 5— through Aug. 11, 2025, unanimously; an amendment to reinstate the larger pre-2024 footprint failed 3-2; council asked staff to study expanded footprints and calendar and report back by March 2026.
City Council voted unanimously on March 18 to approve the site plan and downtown street closures for Albert Alfresco for the 2025 season, authorizing the closure of two lanes on Albert Avenue between Mac Avenue and Grove Street beginning no sooner than May 5 and ending no later than 5 p.m. Aug. 11.
Matt Apostle, community and economic development specialist, told the council staff, the Downtown Management Board and the Downtown Development Authority recommended continuing the 2024 site plan, citing community feedback and foot-traffic data showing steady patronage despite the smaller footprint. "Generally speaking, the foot traffic numbers remain very steady year to year when Albert Alfresco was taking place," Apostle said.
Council member Dr. Altman moved an amendment to replace the approved plan with the larger pre-2024 footprint, arguing survey results and business feedback favored expanding the footprint. "People really liked it," Altman said of the larger configuration and urged the council to follow the community lead. The amendment failed on a 3-2 vote (Altman and Mayor Pro Tem Singh voted yes; Council members Meadows, Watson and Mayor Brookover voted no). The main motion to approve the staff-recommended 2024 footprint and lane closures passed unanimously.
Separately, Mayor Pro Tem Singh moved and council unanimously approved a direction for staff to return with analysis and recommendations for expanding Albert Alfrescofootprint and season length, potentially including Valley Court Park; staff said it would seek early review and return no later than March 2026, with an initial staff discussion as early as January to begin council deliberations.
Councilors discussed survey methodology and business responses. Altman pointed to open-ended and grouped responses in the citysurvey showing many respondents wanted a larger or expanded footprint and longer season; other council members cautioned that the surveys were not scientific and noted DDA and staff support for the current plan. Council members also discussed practical issues including delivery access for businesses and the availability of porta-potties and hand-washing stations.
Why it matters: Albert Alfresco is a seasonal, pedestrianized event that concentrates foot traffic in downtown East Lansing. The councildecision keeps the site plan and timing similar to 2024 while directing staff to study expansion options and calendar changes for future seasons.
