Eyesore of the week

A reader suggested the southside entrance to the Michigan Avenue stairs to the River Trail as an eyesore because it’s across the street from the Lansing Center and hence creates a bad impression on visitors. The city closed it in 2014, because the stairs were unsafe, Lansing Parks and Recreation Director Brett Kaschinske said.

But there’s good news: Kaschinske said the stairs are on the schedule to be repaired this year, thanks to funding from the Ingham County trails millage. Kaschinske said the city sought millage funding because so many downtown workers who use the stairs live outside the city, making it “a regional asset.” Because it’s the state’s bridge and it involves the river, the state has to sign off on the plan, but Kaschinske doesn’t foresee a problem getting permission. And once it is fixed, the northside entrance will be improved as well, he added. Both repairs, plus one already one done this year on the River Trail just north of Michigan Avenue, are covered by the same $281,000 grant.

“Eyesore of the Week” is our look at some of the seedier properties in Lansing. It rotates each week with Eye Candy of the Week. If you have a suggestion, please e-mail eye@lansingcitypulse.com or call Berl Schwartz at 999-5061.