FAQs • East Lansing, MI • CivicEngage

Should it be assumed that the public infrastructure improvements will be the responsibility of the developers and should be included as part of their proposal or will the City be responsible for it?: Proposers should put forward their best option for the DDA and City to consider, which could include financing all or a portion of the necessary public infrastructure. The City Council will be approving a contract on 12/17/19 for the design of the infrastructure improvements as researched and desired by the City. A developer could potentially fund the infrastructure and be reimbursed through TIF or through a Brownfield plan. The City is also researching the potential to fund the improvements, which could possibly be reimbursed through a future Brownfield plan on the Evergreen properties through a look-back provision in Brownfield TIF.

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Evergreen Properties RFQ/P

1. Has there been any environmental testing on the soil or existing buildings?: No, there has not been any environmental testing on the soil or existing buildings.

2. Is this affordable housing, student housing or multi-family housing?: As outlined in the RFQ/P, the DDA is seeking proposals to spur a redevelopment that best balances the desires of the community and the community objective.

3. There has been discussion on the realignment of Albert Avenue and future infrastructure improvements for this area. What is the plan for these improvements?: The East Lansing City Council will be considering a contract for the design of Evergreen Avenue infrastructure improvements with Kebs, Inc. at their December 17, 2019 meeting. This would include the design for road alignment, sewer and water infrastructure. Click here for a utilities map (PDF).

4. Should proposals include the proposed MSUFCU project on the City Lot #4?: On March 10, 2020, the voters will consider a sale of the City-owned land at the northwest corner of Albert Ave and Abbot Road (City Lot #4). MSUFCU is proposing to construct a 5-8 story office building on Albert Avenue Lot #4, adjacent to this site. Plans for the development proposal are expected to be finalized in the coming months. If the voters approve the sale and MSUFCU submits development plans, they will be subject to the normal process and approvals for the site. It at the developer's discretion whether they choose to include, or not include, the MSUFCU proposed project in their proposal. Note that the re-alignment of Albert Avenue is expected to occur regardless, as the work is part of the Park District redevelopment project.

5. How many parking spaces is MSUFCU needing for their project?: Although plans have not been submitted, MSUFCU has indicated a need for approximately 50 parking spaces.

6. It was mentioned that Parking Lot #15 has underground infrastructure. How will this be addressed?: A building would not be allowed to be constructed over underground infrastructure. The infrastructure would need to be rerouted.

7. Should it be assumed that the public infrastructure improvements will be the responsibility of the developers and should be included as part of their proposal or will the City be responsible for it?: Proposers should put forward their best option for the DDA and City to consider, which could include financing all or a portion of the necessary public infrastructure. The City Council will be approving a contract on 12/17/19 for the design of the infrastructure improvements as researched and desired by the City. A developer could potentially fund the infrastructure and be reimbursed through TIF or through a Brownfield plan. The City is also researching the potential to fund the improvements, which could possibly be reimbursed through a future Brownfield plan on the Evergreen properties through a look-back provision in Brownfield TIF.

8. The properties are currently located within a Historic District. How will this be addressed?: The City Council has been reviewing the Oakwood Historic Boundary Study. At the December 10, 2019 City Council meeting, Council reviewed two options. The first option includes the Evergreen Properties remaining in the historic district. The second option includes the removal of the Evergreen Properties (314-344) and Valley Court Park. City Council has asked for a third option, which is the removal of the Evergreen Properties (314-344), Valley Court and the removal of some additional properties. City Council will make a decision on what option to approve at their January 21, 2020 meeting. If the properties remain in the historic district, they will need to be approved for demolition by the Historic District Commission to allow a redevelopment to take place.

9. In the proposal it requires the submission of a sworn statement. that the submitting entity is not delinquent on any taxes. Will the City be providing the form?: The City will not be providing the form. The developer should submit their own Sworn Statement.

10. Can other property owned by the City of East Lansing be included as part of a proposed project?: Other property owned by the City can be included in proposed projects. A vote of the residents is likely required to approve the sale of any City owned property, by a majority vote (Charter of the City of East Lansing Section 4.81 b).