I live is an older south central Lansing neighborhood, close to Ingham Medical Hospital. For several years 5 houses across the street from me have been empty. I think as many as 4 of them were owned by a doctor or the hospital and one, a lady had owned, who recently passed away. Now they weren't great homes. Three were built on slabs but 2 did have basements and were pretty good houses, but they were homes. Albeit one had been a drug house for a while and then a prostitute ran her business out of one, but they weren't commercial properties. So tonight I was surprised when I drove down my street I was greeted by this sight.
It was very sad to see. I immediately grabbed my camera and went to take pictures. Several cars stopped and asked me what had happened to the houses, and we talked. My deepest fear right now is that the hospital has bought the properties and torn them down to make way for a medical center.
When I bought my home 23 years ago I remember some of the old timers in the neighborhood telling me about a doctor who had bought some of these properties and had wanted to build a medical center but the neighbors rallied and they were able to stop it. That was probably back in the 70's. I'm afraid this is more than someone wanting to pay taxes on vacant land instead of buildings. But if something other than homes are buitd here, how detrimental is that going to be to my home's value. The home that I just paid the mortgage off on.!!*& I suddenly have a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Well, wha'st done is done. I will have to renew some of my contact at city hall and see what is planned. The neighborhood watch may have a new battle to get involved in. Although if a building is planned I imagine it is much too late. The saga will continue.
