Goodbye Downtown

Reflected Sky
Originally uploaded by Apocaplops

I've spent the last year living in the neighborhood on South Washington between South and Elm streets. It's home to Discount Dave's, the Cadillac Club, and a few other small businesses. It's been a convenient area for me to live because of its proximity to the freeway and River Trail, both easy ways to travel around Lansing.

I moved in thinking the area was due for a renewal project, and a lot of events on my block are underway during the summer months, but nothing drastic has happened so far. I've yet to see a business move into any of the vacant storefronts, including the downstairs of my loft. The area directly north is also regularly featured on the 8 o'clock news, and not for positive reasons.

So I'm moving out. I've found a place that is larger, closer to MSU, and has space for my motorcycle for substantially less. I'll miss having all the sights of downtown Lansing only a 10 minute walk away, and I love urban living. Unfortunately Lansing has not been able to live up to my dreams as a city, with its businesses closed after 3pm, dead quiet streets, and lack of a sense of community. Maybe I'm being harsh, but honestly, I thought the city was in for a turnaround. I still think that's the case, but it won't happen while I'm here.