Funding for Lansing icons sparks debate
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – The proposal to sell 3 major Lansing properties went before the city’s committee Monday night but with virtually no support even from the member who proposed it.
City council member Peter Spadafore said he drafted the proposal after hearing from other city council members concerned over the amount of city money supporting the Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority. The city entity manages the Lansing Center, Grosebeck Golf Course, and Jackson Field.
Some residents, like Amy Willing, said she couldn’t imagine the course being owned by someone else. “The city that currently operates it and tends it is doing a pretty good job. I’ve been pretty happy with golfing for as many years I’ve been golfing it,” said Willing.
Spadafore does not want to see the properties get sold. Rather, he said the council needs to have a real conversation to find solutions to help LEPFA operate the properties.
“Maybe see if LEPFA can be encouraged to do things differently if there are fee structures to get that general fund dollar out of the operations of those city facilities,” he said to the council.
But some council members said more needs to be done. Member Ryan Kost told fellow members that there was rust and falling pieces during a recent visit to Jackson Field.
“If you have someone mismanaging stuff this bad it’s time to have a conversation. If this was a business, this manager would have been fired a long time ago,” said Kost.
Lansing City Council President Jeremy Garza suggested looking into the possibility of selling the naming rights for the Lansing center. Another suggestion made was an additional tax backed by state and county officials similar to an existing hotel tax.
Council member Adam Hussain liked the idea of getting additional help in supporting the facilities.
“I do see them as absolute investments but I also kind of consider them state and county assests,” he said.
The resolution was not voted on. However, some council members said they hope the discussions continue.
LEPFA did get a funding cut of $700,000 as part of the city’s newest budget passed later Monday night. It also included $50,000 dollars for repairs at Jackson Field.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
