Santa Claus is coming to southwest Lansing

FRIDAY, Dec. 16 — Community leaders and residents will greet Santa Claus tonight between 6 and 7 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Plaza, located at the intersection of Pleasant Grove Road and W. Holmes Road in southwest Lansing.

The jolly old elf's visit is part of a tree lighting celebration at the plaza, which is owned by Southwest Action Group, a collective of business owners and citizens that have come together to improve southwest Lansing and overcome the negative impression of the area.

"The goal of the tree lighting is to really light up southwest Lansing," said Joshua May, community development specialist for SWAG. "What we want to do is bring people together."

The organization purchased the plaza, in part, to begin the process of creating a new image for southwest Lansing, which has often been perceived as a crime-riddled area. 

Volunteers add holiday lights to bushes in the Plaza at Pleasant Grove Rd. and Holmes Rd. in preparation for Friday's holiday event.

"We really hope to bring in more activity," May said. "That will drive away anyone with negative intentions."

Jason Wilkes, vice president of SWAG, said there has been a perception that the area is a "shithole," but that is not an accurate picture. 

"We are doing this to change this perception," he said. "Lots of work and people went into building the art installation. There's an archway to a nature trail. There's also the very popular Beacon Field South for soccer. They're out there playing at all times of the year. They'll shovel it and play at 1:30 in the morning. That's what we want."

To help accomplish this goal, the group invites the community to participate in festivities including a tree lighting ceremony, Santa's visit and caroling led by 54-A District Court Judge Kristen Simmons. Santa will arrive at 6:15 p.m. and caroling will begin at 6:30. Free hot cocoa will also be available at the event.

Simmons was recruited to lead the caroling after May and others found out she participates in her church choir. The discovery was made while Simmons was assisting other volunteers in weeding the plaza area earlier this year. 

"She has an amazing voice," said May. "And it's important to have a Black woman in a powerful position — she's a judge interacting with the community. That's really important."