Businesses argue East Lansing could have saved Green River Cafe.

East Lansing’s Green River Cafe, 211 M.A.C. Ave., shut its doors for the last time Saturday. But debate continues as neighboring businesses said the city could have done more to prevent the closing of another independent business.

Sal Mavruk, manager of Belle’s Pizza on M.A.C. Ave., said restrictive parking ordinances and other factors show the city doesn’t care about independent businesses. Increased competition between restaurants and MSU’s cafeterias is also a contributing factor in the high turnover rate of local businesses, he added.

Tim Dempsey of the city’s Department of Planning & Community Development says the city is doing plenty. The problem, he says, is most businesses aren’t taking advantage of its programs.

Lansing Chili Cook-off caters to residents, vendors

This year the Lansing Board of Water & Light presented its fourteenth annual Chili Cook-off. Fifty vendors, including local non-profits and restaurants, participated. Despite long lines, more than 5,000 people turned out for the live band, beverages and, of course, chili. Vendors took home prizes in eight different categories.

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Assignment 4, Sequence 2

Assignment 4, Part 1

Assignment 3, Part 2

Assignment 3, Part 1

Shaggin’s motorbike