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Business owners, residents and council weigh downtown safety after chaotic weekend events
Summary
Multiple downtown business owners, residents and the council discussed a rise in late‑night violence and nuisance activity around downtown East Lansing and called for a mix of enforcement, operational changes and transparency on police response; council and staff suggested a future discussion‑only meeting.
Multiple downtown business owners and residents told the City Council on Sept. 9 they have seen an increase in loitering, fights and safety problems in the downtown business district, particularly late at night, and urged action to restore safety and customer confidence.
Business owners described customers avoiding downtown and employees quitting because of harassment and threats. Ali Hader, who identified himself as a downtown business owner, said his establishment has been there roughly 30 years and reported “loitering and encampments” that have harmed customer traffic; he urged council to “bring back a narrowly tailored loitering…
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