City Council Vote on Data Center Proposal

The Lansing City Council is set to vote Monday night on a $120 million Deep Green Data Center project, which includes rezoning measures and the potential sale of parking lots near Cedar Street and Kalamazoo Avenue.

Mayor Andy Schor has voiced support for the proposal but acknowledged uncertainty about how council members will ultimately vote, citing strong public reaction on both sides of the issue.

Schor noted that while some residents privately support the project, they have been hesitant to speak publicly due to concerns about backlash. Opponents, he said, have been particularly vocal in their resistance.

The mayor also emphasized that even if the proposal is rejected, the project could still move forward elsewhere—meaning Lansing could miss out on potential economic benefits.

Heavy Rain Causes Flooding, Sewer Concerns

Severe weather over the weekend brought heavy rainfall that led to widespread flooding across the Lansing area. Roads and neighborhoods were impacted, including portions of I-496 between Waverly Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, as well as Pennsylvania Avenue.

Flooding also forced the closure of Potter Park Zoo.

In Dimondale, officials reported that untreated sewage was discharged into the Grand River due to the storm. Residents have been advised to avoid contact with the river for several days and to limit water usage to ease strain on the sanitation system.

Tornado Confirmed in Southeast Michigan

The same storm system also produced a tornado in southeast Michigan. The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado touched down in Wayne County near Van Buren Township and Belleville.

In addition, Monroe County experienced damage from strong straight-line winds.

Fruit Growers Monitoring Temperature Swings

With fluctuating early April temperatures, concerns have emerged about potential impacts on Michigan’s fruit crops. However, industry experts say there is no immediate cause for alarm.

Ben Smith, director of the Michigan State Horticultural Society and a grape grower, said while growers are always cautious this time of year, current conditions appear typical for the season.

Gas Prices Decline Across Michigan

Drivers are seeing some relief at the pump. According to AAA Michigan, the statewide average gas price dropped to $3.87 per gallon—down about nine cents from the previous week.

In the Lansing area, prices averaged $3.81 per gallon, making it one of the more affordable metro areas in the state, behind only Flint and Saginaw.

Students Return as Spring Break Ends

Meanwhile, many students across the Lansing region returned to classrooms Monday as spring break came to an end. Major districts, including Lansing Public Schools, resumed classes to kick off the final stretch of the academic year.