UPDATE: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Meridian Township Planning Commission recently held a public hearing centered on a project that looks to expand the lodges apartment facility.

The construction will add 153 new apartments to The Lodges… adding additional buildings that, according to John Acken, Executive Vice President of Capstone, will provide a new atmosphere around the area.

“We want to create an individual streets,…a main street type of atmosphere that is just as good for pedestrians, bicyclist, cars and also have transit running through there. So really create a mixed use type environment and the great part of this development is its location.”

The new apartments will be located nine acres south of Hannah Blvd., in close proximity to the campus of Michigan State. Commissioner Shane Goodale said there are many concerns on the minds of those living around the area.

“I think that there needs to be more bike racks for bikes and then when the traffic study comes back and they figure out what they’re going to do with additional traffic I think another aspect they need to look into is not only the traffic, but also the bicycle traffic and pedestrian traffic.”

The dialoge about the construction has been constant between the Planning Commission and the project's planners. However, in the end, these talks seem to have a common feeling attached.

Phase two of the lodges is currently scheduled to be finished in 2013.


ORIGINAL STORY: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - There will be new additions to "The Lodges" apartments in East Lansing. The addition will encompass 153 new apartments to the area and hopes to be finished by next year. Watch Meridian Magazine to learn more.