Free parking to help Lansing businesses mid-construction

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The City of Lansing is offering free parking on Michigan Avenue to encourage customers to patronize local businesses despite ongoing construction. From today until Sept. 30, two-hour parking in Lot 8 on the 2000 block of Michigan Avenue will be free. The city-owned lot spans the block between N. Clemens Avenue and N. Fairview Avenue.

Officials say that parking is only free for a maximum of two hours between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Handicap and safety violations will continue to be monitored and ticketed.

“This free metered parking will encourage residents and visitors to shop and eat locally during the construction along Michigan Ave. Offering complimentary parking in this city lot is one way that we can help support small businesses during this construction project,” said Lansing Mayor Andy Schor. “I look forward to a more accessible and pedestrian-friendly corridor after the construction is completed; in the meantime, the free parking will offer some relief to parking challenges for residents and visitors who want to visit these businesses.”

Michigan Avenue is currently undergoing significant construction in response to public input. This includes road reconstruction and reconfiguration, sidewalk replacement, traffic signal modernization, and upgrades to utilities like sewer and water mains.

This construction will also convert Michigan Avenue from five lanes to four lanes—two westbound lanes, a center turn lane, and one eastbound traffic lane.

Officials also say that the project will also improve pedestrian and bicycle access.

“I would like to express my appreciation and applaud the Mayor for his decision to allow free parking in the construction zone on Michigan Ave. This collaborative effort between the administration and the community is truly commendable,” said Lansing City Council member Ryan Kost. “I encourage everyone to come down and support our great small businesses by grabbing a book, having a meal, or enjoying the many other great things they have to offer. With the road closed, the free parking behind these establishments will be extremely helpful. I am proud of the work we have done on this issue.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.