Student Monday, April 21, 1975 Housing would be because of ies to turn the gas, water or By MARY ANN CHICK they got State News Staff Writer their hands in the water and lights back on. then put them in their mouth," The companies will check The failure of two area Gerhardt said. "If anyone had individual areas to make sure sewage treatment plants to a substantial wound they water in the area will not cause keep sewage from entering the Red Cedar River could have should see a doctor and get a problems. "Water in the basement Health tetanus booster." problems serious results for anyone who has contact with the "water. He said that most students could create a potential hazard Health officials suggest that were safe from hepatitis, but to those wading in the water — Red Cedar River frolickers the University Health center possibly electrocution, a short avoid further contact with the said the Ingham County Medi¬ circuit or other electrical prob¬ may result from water and immediately shower cal Dept. was checking water lems," said Joe Wolfe, director of electrical operations at the or bathe after contact. samples around the clock to Though Philip Gerhardt, - prevent a hepatitis outbreak. Lansing Board of Water and chairman of the MSU Dept. of The health center is giving Light. tetanus shots to students who A Consumers Power spokes¬ sewage leakage Microbiology and Public health, said that "it is relatively unlike¬ request them or have been in person asked their customers contact with the flood waters to let the company turn the gas ly that you'll catch anything," it is possible that "you could catch and have not had a tetanus shot back on instead of doing it within the last five years. themselves. any of the usual diseases that result from fecal contamina¬ Before evacuated residents "We have to turn it (the gas) tion." return to their homes, they off at each appliance, then turn "If they have trouble, it should tell the utilities compan- it back on and relight each appliance one by one," said Chuck Brown, division manager of Consumers Power. Residents do not need to worry about tap water becom¬ ing polluted or contaminated, said William Fishback, director of water operations at the board of water and light. "If the pipes leaked, the city water would come out," Fish- back said. "The sewage or flood waters would not go in because the pressure in the pipes is higher." Residents with well water should check to make sure the water is pure. If in doubt, boil the water, add two drops of bleach to each gallon, mix well and let it set for a half hour before drinking. Gerhardt said precautions should be taken by those whose houses or apartments had been flooded by Red Cedar water. "If there is flooding in the basement, you have to presume it's raw sewage," he said. "Wash the basement liberally with soap and water and rinse with plain water. If there's any area touched like a wash basin, wash it with chlorine". Any canned product is safe as long as the outside is thorough¬ ly cleaned with bleach. Ger¬ hardt said that bottles of pop should be thrown out because the tops are too difficult to disinfect. Though rugs and furniture should be scrubbed and washed with hot water, Gerhardt said that the other precautions were SN photo/Dale Atkins more urgent. This is one of the many houses in the Lansing 1,000 families were forced to evacuate their "They aren't an emergency," area devastated by the waters of the flood-swol¬ he chuckled. "Unless you can't homes and find shelter in hotels or with friends. stand the stink." len Red Cedar and Grand rivers. An estimated Williamsion Dam survives flood By DENI MARTIN before," said Williamston City With the river continuing to ty. Williamston had already National Guardsmen on Grand State News Staff Writer clerk Gloria Alexander. rise Saturday, Williamston re¬ exhausted its small supply. River Avenue," Alexander said All of the rumors about the "They're just curious." sidents, with outside help, •By mid-afternoon the State "That area's still flooded." Williamston Dam being washed quickly mobilized to save their Dept. of Natural Resources had By 6:45 p.m. Saturday it was A long weekend was quietly out are false. dam and their two 6-inch pumps working to The river had reached its city: over. ending for Williamston and its drain water out of the city's crest 13.08 feet — and was The dam, just 10 miles east of residents. And it all began •Mayor Ray Bachman drove — waste water treatment plant. receding. here, was still standing Sunday Friday night. At least half the a truck full of sand across town The plant remained operative Estimates on damages were morning, though a steady flow city's homes and streets were to the police and fire depart¬ of water lapped over the top of ment the entire weekend. not available on Sunday, but at partially flooded, due to the parking lot and then it. Williamston residents cas¬ joined dozens of other volun¬ •Twenty National Guards¬ least one young man has a heavy rain and its effects on the ually drove across the bridge teers sand-bagging the dam. men began directing traffic late problem. He parked his city's river-level location. Fire¬ in the afternoon. Fire Chief that spans the Red Cedar father's blue Buick in the Brook men were called in to help flood •Ralph Shuck mobilized his Kirt Hunt said no one could Hollow Country Club parking River, assessing the damage victims and direct traffic. left by the weekend floods. Boy Scout troop to help fill either enter or leave William¬ lot Friday night. On Sunday "At point sand bags. ston. All the major roads one we had 3.65 were morning only the windows and "More people have crossed inches of rain within •At 1 p.m. a shipment of sand underwater. the top of the car could two be seen that bridge today than ever hours," Alexander said. bags arrived from Eaton Coun¬ "There are still half a dozen under a sea of water. Flood story: students float, flee By SUSAN AGER the fact that all the roads he usually drives to State News Staff Writer campus were impassable. The buses would act as Glenn Patrick's wife ate dinner alone on their shuttles to Munn Arena, where the Bennett- 30th wedding anniversary Saturday while Glenn Horne benefit would take place. shook his head and watched ginger-colored water Off campus, where needs were more critical gush from rubber tubes out of the Auditorium. and water levels more debilitating, area police "Ain't that awful, that Old Man Weather," he departments called out their entire forces to said. "It's too bad, I'm telling you. They had to direct traffic, aid in evacuation, barricade roads have something like this happen to 'em, and help in other minute - by - minute crises. especially when there's doings tonight." At the Ferguson Park bridge, where Mt. Hope A skilled trades foreman with the MSU Road dead ends at Okemos Road, police kept a Physical Plant, Patrick was but one of several round-the-clock vigil as the bridge's foundation hundred people — MSU employes, police, Red weakened. Cross volunteers and others — who put down Bob Haddix, of the Army flood prevention their forks, turned off their TV sets, donned their detail, had been at the bridge since 5:30 p.m. hip boots and helped a water-logged area keep Saturday with several other men. "We intend to going this weekend. stay as long as the peanut butter and jelly Patrick was to have taken his wife out to dinner sandwiches hold out," he said, chomping, late that to celebrate the anniversary. "She understands," he said. The operation to pump the two feet of night. Besides providing food and hot beverages to water out of the Auditorium's sub-basement workers, the Lansing Red Cross had over 200 would take close to 10 hours, and Patrick would volunteers out Saturday aiding in evacuations and stay late Saturday night. helping individuals cope. Elsewhere on campus throughout the weekend, "The switchboard was ridiculous Saturday 50 physical plant employes worked 12-hours shifts when they normally wouldn't have, pumping night," said Bonnie Crandall, a secretary at the Red Cross headquarters. "There were so many water, maintaining electrical power, making sand people calling to volunteer to sandbag, clean up, bags, mopping up. "We had a cross-section of offering houses, trucks, equipment ... We had talent on board ready for anything," said Howard more volunteers than victims Saturday night, and Wilson, director of building services. MSU students volunteered too, in quantity." One electrician made it to work Saturday Many students, including ASMSU President J. afternoon only after hooking his tractor to his Brian Raymond, spent the night on duty. truck and plugging through a foot of water on the And in the wealthy Okemos subdivision of muddy roads near his Charlotte home. Another was on vacation, but came in instead to wade in Indian Lakes Estates, where homes valued at the dark through filthy water. $50,000 to $350,000 are nestled in a crook of the At 8 p.m. Saturday three MSU buses sat Red Cedar River off Mt. Hope Rd., a plea for help silently in front of a dark Auditorium, where Tony aired on local radio stations early Saturday Bennett and Lena Home would have performed at evening drew close to 200 volunteers. 9 if the power had not been lost. Inside one bus, Mostly high school students, they helped three veteran drivers agreed that they had never reinforce with sandbags the dike which separates seen it quite like this, or made it to work quite so the lake from the encroaching river, though that fast. helped only temporarily. The dike would break at 'They called at 7:15 and wanted me to be in in 15 3 a.m. and fill many sumptuous living rooms with minutes," said Ken Scott. He made it, despite water and sewage. Above, two lonely figures out on the rapids appear to be having a good time seemingly unaware of the officials' warn¬ ings to stay away from the murky wa¬ ters for fear of cases of hepatitis breaking out. Below, men worked diligently through the night trying to sandbag the sewers to try and keep them from back¬ ing up. SN Photos/ John Dickson Leo Salinas Ice makes stage SN PHOTOS/ DAVE OLDS for Tony, Lena By DIANE SILVER State News Staff Writer It was the gunk that did it. Saturday, the gunk — the debris, sewage and mineral filled water — gurgled up through the Auditorium drains, shorted the building's electrical system and sent dozens of stage hands, technicians, MSU janitors and administrators into frenzied efforts to transform Munn Ice Arena into a theater. Less than seven hours after the Auditorium power died, an exuberant Tony Bennett and Lena Home bounced onto the chilly ice arena state. The show was only 10 minutes late. At noon, the Auditorium was calm, the stage readied, the band set for a 4 p.m. rehearsal with Tony and Lena. Two - and - a - half hours later the Red Cedar River rose over a power switch, creating steam in the power unit and blowing a fuse. John Kingsbury, electrician with MSU's Physical Plant, said the river of minerals, debris and sewage created the problem. "Faucet water's innocent," he said. "It's not a conductor, just plain 0MH2O, you know. But when you mix a little Red Cedar with it, it's a different story." By 3:30 p.m. Physical Plant employes were pumping the water, two feet of it in the power and mechanical room, out onto Auditorium Drive. Two four inch hoses spewed out water the - color of ginger ale. At 5:45 p.m. with only a few inches of water pumped out, President Wharton made the decision to move the concert to Munn Ice Arena. At Munn the man in charge of erecting the stage was taking it all calmly. "I've been here 30 years and expected something like this," Don Starin said. "It's no problem. As long as we have an hour or two, we can make it." Starin's crew threw the flooring over the ice, to 30 wooden tables, tacked brown cloth on them to hide the erected 20 legs, Relocated wohsCAP erected the lights and set up the band. By DAVE STERN State News Reviewer Musically, the evening belonged to Lena The erection of the stage was only the beginning of the evening's Home. With her figure, voice and movement work. The 20 - year - old Steinway grand piano had to be retuned. Under the watchful eyes of Biggie Munn's denying her 57 years. Home truly wowed the The changes in temperature and humidity involved in moving the portrait and near the rapidly rising waters of the audience. Red Cedar River, which had piano to Munn threw it out of whack. already put the Her voice really is better than ever before; her The orchestra arrived, young men clad in tuxedoes and black - Auditorium out of commission, Saturday night's stage presence is phenomenal. At her best, gowned women, who looked out at the chilly arena and worried gala fund-raising event for the Performing Arts Center (PAC) came off without a hitch. .singing standards from the big-band repetoire, that the temperature would make their strings sharp and their Home distinguished herself as a blues shouter. brass flat. The hastily relocated concert succedded Her phrasing exists in that realm of continual because of the extreme Tony Bennett arrived, more handsome than his photos and efficiency of the apiazement occupied only by Sinatra in his better Lecture-Concert staff working under panic-rais¬ surprisingly shy. He quietly said that the change was "quite the days. unexpected." ing conditions. Bennett, though a fine entertainer, had little There was little grumbling from the audience on the change It was quite a sight — the raised platform to offer musically. He has a loud polished voice from chairs to cement bleachers. Some had paid $100 and others holding both a big band and a string session in that he uses to exhibit little but loudness and $50 for their seats. the middle of the ice arena. You half polish. His melodic presentation often totally expected Tony and Lena to skate out one from either end loses what the composer has written, yet offers However, one man sat in his bright blue blazer, glanced sternly of the rink, pirouetting and around the arena and declared that it was a "god - damned rip - figure-eighting in nothing to take its place. rhine-stone outfits and highlighted by On the other hand, he has a fine off!" pink rapport with spotlights. his audience and tremendous John Wagner, professor of mathematics who paid $50 for a seat, respect for his musicians. The solo work during his set was said he was disgruntled, because he was not invited to the post - They didn't, though. much appreciated. concert reception with the stars. Wagner declared that he would What they did do was provide three hours of Vegas-style entertainment, starting with Despite unavoidable problems posed by blow his whistle, if the concert did not start on time and proceeded a short Mother Nature's chief to whip out a silver whistle and toot it. duet section followed by Home's set. deputy in charge of Michigan, the concert came off beautifully. Spartan Stadium sits above the waters, but the structure seems a better place to watch a yacht race than a football game. FEAR AND LOATHING Citizens join to combat nature By JOE KIRBY Janet Lilja, 116 Waters Edge and laughing about how they to check into a motel room of students walked along the State News Staff Writer Apts., was busy Saturday night would put on life jackets when courtesy of the Red Cross. river, taking photographs and A touch of fear and loathing, piling her belongings on top of the water started pouring in. Early Sunday morning stu¬ enjoying the sights. a little bit of beer and then after desks, trying to get textbooks, Five female students from dents began returning to their Mike Ratliff was riding down a blink and a nod an army of clothes and rugs higher than Yakely Hall, Sharon Krawford, apartments,-many surprised to the Red Cedar River in a red gawkers turned out to watch a four feet off the ground since Betsy Kuston, Pam Latovick, find them still free of water. and white rubber raft. water carnival as the flood she expected at least four or Esther Hareim and Lauren Dave Gutenschwager, 261 "I've been out on the river came and came. every other day and there's no As the flood waters began reason to stop now," Ratliff moving in Saturday some peo¬ said. ple began packing their belong¬ And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon Moving rapidly toward the ings and making ready for the Bogue Street bridge, where big escape while others sat mid-Michigan; and Beaumont Tower that there was only about one foot back with bottle of beer between the water and bottom a watching television convinced remained of the University, that stood high of the bridge Ratliff yelled, that there was nothing to fear "There's problem getting but fear itself. under the heaven, was covered . . . no under the bridge, all you have to do is duck." The worries began Saturday afternoon when the City of East — Genesis reinterpreted With that remark he disappeared under Lansing delivered warning let¬ the bridge. ters to people living in first On campus, students were floor and basement apartments five feet of water in her Anderson, were busy sand¬ River St., said he had just walking around behind Shaw along the Red Cedar River. apartment. bagging all the windows and returned from Detroit Sunday Hall, watching the ducks swim "For all this work, this place doors of the Women's Intra¬ expecting to find his apartment The letter advised the resi¬ up within a few feet of the better be destroyed," Lilja said. mural Building early Saturday filled with water but things dents, primarily MSU students, building. that the river would crest at 12 But across the hall, in an evening. were dry. In Beal Gardens, small apartment even closer to the "We tried to get to Lansing "I live in the bottom level but feet Sunday afternoon and that plaques with names of plants their apartments could possibly advancing water, a couple sat but couldn't, so we decided to I don't think the water will get floated by. One student who on the couch watching Johnny see if we could help around high enough to get into our was to have a field flood. They were advised to trip in the remove valuables and make Carson. They said that when here," Anderson said. "Why do apartment," Gutenschwager gardens over the weekend for the water started coming in and people just stand around and said. his botany class, said, "Well, at plans to evacuate. The letter, along with the electricity went off they watch instead of helping?" As the sun began peeking out least I won't have to do any gen¬ would leave. In most of the apartments from behind the clouds, groups floral diagrams." eral rumor, served to send Next door at Rivers Edge located along the river, stu¬ many scurrying about to save everything they could before Apts. a group of students dents living on the upper floors The flood stories in the special section and whose apartment was only a were coming down to the they went under in the expect¬ elsewhere in the paper were compiled with the ed deluge. few feet away from the swelling basement apartments offering But while some were worry¬ stream were busy piling plastic to let people bring their valu¬ help of the following staff members: Mary Anne ing, those people who lived bags and stones in front of a ables up to a high and dry Chick, Nancy Crane, June Delano, Mary Flood, farther away from the "flood patio door, hoping to fend of the altitude. Joe Kirby, Deni Martin, Brad Martisius, Jeff were enjoying music and flow of water. By about 2 a.m. Sunday most beer. Men-ell, Steve Orr, Paul Parker, Ellen A steady stream of cars Down the street, at a Cedar of the apartments which ex¬ drove Village apartment only a few pected to be flooded were Sponseller, John Tingwall, Bruce Ray Walker by along the river and bystand¬ feet away from the water, four empty as students had left to and Debbie Wolfe. ers laughed as ducks ruled over sunken parking lots. male students sat drinking beer spend the night with friends or HOUSING OPTIONS MSU mobile homes dwellers live in with some monetary return on the invest¬ somewhat cramped quarters, but that ment. disadvantage is outweighed by the minimal Those students owning their own home upkeep needed and the privacy that mobile usually purchase it from friends or finance home living offers. it through banks and credit union loans. Mobile homes are available for rent with Trailer Haven and Mobile Home Manor, cost, including lot rental, ranging from $125 both located on East Grand River Avenue to $200 a month depending on the size. about a half-mile east of Hagadorn Road, Mobile homes, especially the older ones hold 302 mobile homes. Eighty per cent of that students live in, are considered by them are inhabited by MSU students. many to be fire hazards mainly because of Floyd Hewitt, manager of Mobile Home their small size and limited escape routes. Manor, said that most students own their Recent legislation requires new mobile own mobile honpes and pay lot rent ranging homes to have smoke detectors, kick-out from $60 to $80 a month. windows and fire extinguishers. "Besides that there is a utility bill that Many of • the local mobile homes do not have these varies depending the season," he said. on safety devices—mainly because of their age. "In the winter the price, with the high fuel But mobile home residents tend to put costs, runs from $50 to $55 a month." the danger out of their minds and focus on An advantage of owning your own mobile the efficiency of their home is that it can be sold at a later date unique living quarters. Residence halls—those great living gnonu- At the beginning of this school year there ments to university life—are treated with were mixed emotions by the many problems with dorm room people who live overcrowding, but most of these problems there. have been solyed. However, university officials anticipate more triples next fall The 26 residence halls on campus provide term. numerous housing options for the more than 17,000 residents they accomodate. Though next year's sophomores will not have to live on campus, many will un¬ Residence halls range from the old and rustic buildings of doubtedly decide to stay on because of the Phillips, Snyder and inconveniences, soaring costs and tight Mayo halls to the newer and massive Akers and Wonders halls. One big difference, housing market off-campus. Most students living in residence halls other than the obvious aesthical variance, is find the food the thing that the older dorms have communal they like least and the social life the thing bathrooms on each floor, while the newer they like best. ones have bathrooms in each room Many residence halls have black culture or suite. Current prices for room and board are rooms, pool rooms and offer a wide variety of intramural sports activities. $415 per term and may go up around $30 Dorm parties are very common, per term next year. especial¬ ly in the newer halls, and general living Beginning Tuesday residence halls will be conditions are easier with little worry taking reservations for next year, with about those now living in residence halls maintenancet cooking, laundry and other getting minor hassles found in apartment and the first choice of rooms. houses. Inexpensive living and togetherness are owner of their house and is the major advantages offered to the required to do a nearly certain amount of work a week. 350 Students living in MSU co-op housing. Dinners are prepared each Co-ops, on the average, charge between night by different co-op members. Though most $270 and $280 a term for room and board, suppers are at a scheduled time, breakfasts which makes them the least and lunches are expensive prepared at irregular housing option around. hours. Most of the 14 co-op houses near campus One person in the house makes are older and up a larger buildings. Eleven weekly food list and another goes to the belong to the Student Housing Corporation store to buy the food. (SHC), B311 Student Services Bldg., and Most co-op members tend to view the the other three are independently owned. togetherness and sharing of responsibilities as a major advantage to co-op living. People planning to join co-ops are advised to call the SHC office (355-8313) before Co-ops also sponsor social activities, which range from parties to April 30, since spots will soon be filled. sporting activities. When new members join a SHC co-op, Most rooms are either singles or doubles, they pay a $20 loan to the organization that which members may fix is refunded when up in their own they leave the house. style. They are also charged a $15 co-op develop¬ "It's a unique living situation," one ment fee, which is not returned. co-op member said. "It gives a person a sense of Each co-op member is considered part responsibility, yet there's lots of fun." Greek life is becoming fashionable again. That ring on your finger can be the key to a relatively inexpensive way to live in More students are rushing the 40 fraternity and sorority East Lansing — married housing. houses around MSU this term than anytime within the last five years. More than 2,000 MSU students and their families live in one of the three Students living in Greek houses are offered comfortable married housing complexes: Cherry Lane, University Village and Spartan living but at a cost higher than most alternative living options in the area. Village. Costs generally run from $400 to $480 a term to live in "The price is good and the location is not all that bad," said Dale Harmon who a house. This includes room and board and sometimes social activities. pays $119 a month for his one bedroom apartment in Spartan Village. Two Greek houses are either professional or social. bedroom apartments in married housing costs $125 per month. The rent includes all utilities and some basie A social fraternity such as the Theta Chi fraternity at 453 Abbott Road costs furnishings. Though there is no $430 a term for room and board plus an additional $50 for social dues that are used waiting list, students are encouraged to fill out a married housing application at to hire bands, have parties or go on trips. the married housing office now to be sure to get an apartment in the fall. Professional fraternities, such as Triangle fraternity (engineering majors), 242 Quick and efficient maintenance service that is provided free is considered by N. Harrison Road, cost as little as $405 a term. many as being a major advantage of living in married housing. Most Greeks sponsor rush the second week No pets are allowed in any married housing apartment and violaters face of each term to recruit new members into their organizations. possible evictions. A 30 - day notice is the only requirement for those planning to move out. Nearly all fraternities and sororities have a cook that prepares meals. Though There are, however, a few inconveniences in married the choice of food is limited, most Greeks say it is far better than dorm food. housing. Lack of storage area and no thermostats are the major While doubles and triples are more common in Greek houses, many utilize complaints of those larger rooms for dormitory purposes while using the smaller bedrooms for study living in married housing. and dens. Married housing maintenance crews are just now beginning to rooms put thermostats A bonus of Greek life is the old tests files. The tests collected over the years in each apartment and it may take another two years before are they finish. "It's either too hot or cold," one student said. "We by members of each house and are used as study aids by their members. always have to sleep with the windows open." Though fraternities and sororities are a more costly living alternative, the recent resurgance of Greek life indicates that people are willing to pay the price MSU married housing, despite these inconveniences is still the best deal in for the social benefits. town for most married students. Apartment living offers students all the apartment." conveniences of this modern age: small, Maintenance is provided free of charge clean Snd compact living units and the high by most apartment complexes whose main¬ rents that go with them. tenance ratings vary widely. Apartment complexes blanket the area For those with different wishing a cheaper apartment, prices depending on prox¬ the search may carry them blocks or even imity to campus, the type of apartment and miles. what floor you live on. Rents include most utilities except for Campus Hill Apts., located on Grand River Avenue about a mile and one half east telephone installation and electricity. Most of campus, offers students a more spacious leases are on a three, nine or 12 month bases. living area at about $70 a month rent. Prices average $80 to $90 a month per Strawberry Hill Apts. in Lansing, located about three miles southwest of campus, person for a two bedroom four-man apart¬ offers unfurnished two bedroom apart¬ ment like Cedar Village, River's Edge and ments for four people for $45 a month per other apartments that are a block or two person. from campus. "Of course you're getting ripped off near Whether apartment living is the first campus," said Ron Spalter who lives in choice of the masses or not, it winds up as Cedar Village off Bogue St. "You're the home for a majority of the MSU confined to a couple of rooms in an students who move off campus. A renter's house is not always a castle in Area houses are managed by both small the East Lansing market these days. landlords owning only one or two houses Crowded living quarters, old housing and and large landlords and investment com¬ high rents are just a few of the characteris¬ panies that might own 10 or more houses. tics of the East Lansing rental housing Most of the better houses are relayed market—but students still clamour for through word of mouth but once in a while a those coveted close-to-campus houses. good deal might show up in the newspaper. Single bedrooms, some sense of privacy Furnishings and utilities all depend on and the down-home atmosphere of having a the landlords. Many landlords pay for yard are the major reasons students move everything except for electricty and phone into houses. installation while others make the tenant On the average anywhere from five to pay for the heat and other utilities. eight people live in a house and share the Most rents are not determined entirely responsibilities of cooking, paying rents, by a landlord's greed but are dependent on and maintaining the general condition of the the property taxes and upkeep of the house. house. Taxes in East Lansing are somewhat higher Rents average around $81) a montn per than in Lansing. Rental housing offers unlimited living person in East Lansing. Rents for houses in Lansing are some¬ alternatives to students along with the what lower—around $65. More and more responsibilities and challenges of living students are waking up to the Lansing with other people in a more spacious market as the city's increase in student environment than is offered apartment and renters on the east side illustrates. dorm dwellers. E. Lansing a landlord's is dream: Soaring rents and high demand WHY DO MOST STUDENTS SETTLE FOR elected this fall will be drastically different. LESS THAN THEY WANT IN OFF-CAMPUS Despite the fact that the attorney general's office has never HOUSING? really said whether a Michigan community can actually implement its own rent control, the Human Rights party (HRP) in East There has never been any comprehensive planning done by" Lansing is beginning to plan a petition drive to put a rent control either the University or the city in regards to the more than 20,000 referendum on the ballot in November. The HRP in Ann Arbor students who will inevitably be living off campus. has done this twice. Both times they were defeated by a strong Thousands of students are annually tossed into a tight East anti - rent control landlord force that sprung up in the city. Lansing housing market with high hopes, little practical knowledge and limited incomes. The East lianmng market is ARE THERE ANY CHANCES FOR NEW simply too small to offer each student his ideal home. CONSTRUCTION TO HELP OPEN THE Excessive demands placed cm the market have sent rents TIGHT MARKET? skyrocketing so that only the people crowded into housing are paying low rents. Everyone one else takes what they can gett The prohibitive costs of construction and the lack of building feeling lucky when they find something they can afford. since the big East Lansing apartment boom (1965 - 70) are reigning supreme. No city housing observers have any word of upcoming ARE RENTS REALLY THAT HIGH IN EAST development. There is land available in the northern sector of the LANSING? city but some of it is as far from campus as the apartments in Meridian township. Further development and use of bus routes East Lansing rents are nearly 30 per cent more than rents for could change the complexion of the housing market by making comparable housing in nearby Lansing. Fall rents in Lansing's these areas more attractive for building. east side houses are running close to-$65 a person i whereas East It should be noted that many of the apartments built in the 1965 Lansing rents are up near $75 to $85. boom were built on land then fully developed with Our college town rates have not reached the exorbitant heights housing though the demand for that housing was not of Ann Arbor, which boasts the second highest metropolitan area nearly that of the highly rates in the country. But we do compare unfavorably to most popular converted single - family-houses being rented now. Michigan cities even in the 1970 census figures which reflect WHAT ABOUT UNIVERSITY LAND? citywide medians from nearly four yearly rent increases ago. Several University officials have admitted that the University WHY ARE RENTS SO HIGH AND WHY DO had only retained the sophomore on - campus living requirement to THEY KEEP CLIMBING? insure that the University would be able to pay off the loans taken * to build the residence halls. In the last 30 years the \ University has The landlords blame the taxes but tenant's advocates note that borrowed an estimated $150 million to build the MSU residence East Lansing taxes, though higher, simply do not account for the halls and married housing. They still owe nearly one - third that differences. amount. Despite landlord claims that their business is floundering, they keep collecting rent in new cars and new suits. With a debt like that it is unlikely the University would invest in Though .their insurance, mortagage and utility costs are high, more residence hall buildings. But some East Lansing city officials landlord' profit is a key factor. are beginning to ask around about the possibility of the University The cost of renting has increased along with everything else in leasing land or somehow allowing private building on University "No matter what the past few years. Utility, maintenance costs and increased taxes properties close to the central business district and the center of the shape, what the are partly to blame though the increased demand for off campus - campus and thus more attractive to the student renter. price of the housing, housing cannot help but jack up the rents. It is interesting to note that owners of run down, seldom repaired properties are IS THERE ANY PUBLIC MONEY FOR if it's close to campus increasing rents as much as those who actually put money back ADDITIONAL BUILDING? you can get some¬ into their properties. body's father to pay The only forseeable public funds are the federal housing WOULD RENT CONTROL HELP? for it. People beg me assistance money — Title H Community Development funds. for houses in the fall." An Though these can not be directly used for students they may be intelligently applied rent - control package could possibly used to encourage slow rente down but chances for rent control in this building through guaranteed subsidy of a city are percentage, probably less than 25 per cent, of the tenants in the — an East Lansing mighty slim. The current city council is not inclined toward the idea and it is doubtful that the three new council members to be new complex. Though the concept has not been proven yet, in landlord theory that 25 per cent of guaranteed nonstudent tenants could the nonsubsidized WHAT ABOUT THE EAST LANSING HOUSING CODE? IS THAT CONTRIBUTING TO THE PINCH? If the housing code were enforced to the letter a good deal of the apartment and housing rentals in the city would have to be cut to at least half occupancy. But the code is not being enforced. Most landlords and tenants simply ignore the parts that would be most inconvenient or devastating to them. Tenants are finding they can lie their way around having the housing inspector see that they never got the mattress out of that basement room or that they have more people and cars than the code's parking section requires. It is only the most conscientious and probably gullible landlords who are altering their rental capacity because of the code. It is important to know that the nonenforcement on the part of the city is, in part, due to the fact that the housing commission and the council have found some merit in some of the complaints of the landlords and tenants about the code conflicting with other codes and being excessively restrictive in parts. The council is currently considering some changes to the code. The most important of these could involve the parking restrictions and the number of roomers allowed in certain zones. — HAS THE CODE BEEN GOOD FOR ANYTHING? Despite all the complaints about the workings of the code it has accomplished part of its goal to make the city's rental housing — especially in older neighborhoods — safer and healthier. The one thing the code has done, most effectively in apartments and houses where the tenants are aware enough to point maintenance problems out to housing inspectors, is to get torn screen^ mended, overloaded electric circuits remodeled, missing windows replaced, leaky faucets fixed, weary interiors painted and it has even gotten new garbage cans for some. The only possible complaint to these improvements is that the landlords are passing improvements costs on to the tenants in increased rents. But in this year of inflation, most tenants, especially those whose landlords pay the soaring utility bills, cannot help but expect an increase. IS ANYBODY WORKING TO EASE THE EAST LANSING HOUSING CRUNCH? At this point neither the city nor the University have decided that the housing of students off - campus is their responsibility. There have been some rumblings in City Hall about talking with the University about their "mutual" housing problems but basically nobody is working very hard to change things. WHAT CAN STUDENTS DO ABOUT THEIR HOUSING PROBLEMS? Some students have beat the high costs through co - operative living, purchasing their own homes. But this activity has been limited. In Ann Arbor, the university has even subsidized some of the co - ops. An up and coming East Lansing landlord has said that "No matter what the shape, what the price of the housing, if itXclose to campus you can get somebody's father to pay for it. People beg me for houses in the fall." If there is no new construction and no rent control, the only way anything will change is if the demand suddenly shifts. But for the last few years, landlords have been able to pick and choose their tenants and if one does not like something in the lease or that ominous hole in the roof they can get somebody else who will take it anyways. In the last few years it has become obvious that more and more MSU students, especially those who have been in the area for a few years, are moving to cheaper rents in Lansing's east side. A few, even some without cars, are moving along the bus route lines in outer East Lansing and Meridian Township, too. Short of buying their own houses, it seems that one of the best ways to deal with the East Lansing market is to look elsewhere. SAMPLE APARTMENT MARKETBASKET APARTMENT LOCATION MONTHLY RENTS FALL VACANCIES • (2-bedroom, 4-man) Cedar Village (351-5180) 303 Bogue St. $80485 few left Rivers Edge (332-4432) 1050 Waters Edge Drive $85-$90 few left Cedar Greens (351-8631) 1135 E. Michigan Ave. $90-9100 many left (one block west of Brody) i!-bedroom, 2-man) Halstead Apartments (351-7910) various locations around $60-$95 75 per cent central city filled Burcham 731 (351-7212) 731 Burcham Drive (7 blocks $70-$75 many left north of central campus) il-bedroom. 2 or 3-man) few left Twyckingham (351-7166) 4630 S. Hagadorn Road $75-$80 (one-fourth mile south of east campus) Kings Pointe East (332-8215) 212 East Pointe Lane $45-$50 few left (three-fourths mile north (unfurnished) of central campus) Capitol Villa (332-5330) 1664 E. Grand River Ave. $67.50 few left (three-fourths mile east of $47.50 (unfurnished) central campus) Campus Hill (349-3530) 4969 Campus Hill, Okemos $65-$70 many left (2 miles east of central campus) Strawberry Fields (393-0210) 4925 Dunckel Road, Lansing $40-$50 (unfurnished) leasing starts (5 miles south of central campus) in August The ins outs and of renting From start to finish the rental agreement is a mass of responsibilities for both parties. Basic understanding of these duties help a tenant know what to do until the lawyer gets there. mxmtm WHAT ARE A LANDLORD'S RIGHTS AND WHAT ARE THE TENANT'S RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES? RESPONSIBILITIES? The landlord has the right to select tenants (as long as there is The tenant has the right to full use of the rental property and no race or sex discrimination), to inspect and repair (with tenant should complain if landlord negligence is barring use of some permission to enter unless emergency), to evict if conditions merit section. The tenant also has the right to privacy and the landlord it, to change the rental agreement with one rental-period's notice if should ask permission to enter unless it is an emergency (state there is no lease and to seek legal recourse. legislators are considering a strict law on this matter), the right to The landlord has the responsibility to keep the rental units obtain receipts for all money paid and, of course, the right to legal licensed and in good condition, to maintain the interior and recourse. exterior (unless stated otherwise in the lefese), to exterminate The tenants must pay the rent the day it is due, keep the rental pests present at beginning of lease or in more than one unit of a unit clean and sanitary (the tenant can get a housekeeping multiple dwelling and to live up to all lease provisions. violation from the city for sloppy care), care for the landlord's furnishings, give the landlord one rental period's notice before moving out, park vehicles in proper assigned spaces, exterminate pests appearing in their unit done after the beginning of lease and EAST LANSING APARTMENT LEASE like the landlord, they should live up to all lease provisions. WHAT GOOD IS A LEASE? THIS LEASE made this day of A.D., 19 by and between EAST LANSING APARTMENTS Though some tenants think they are better off with the freedom of having no lease, the written contract can hereinafter referred to as "Lessor," and 1 : , protect the tenant as well as the landlord. Nobody ever forsees that they will wind up in hereinafter called the "Lessee": court over security deposits, damages or evictions and that they could save themselves big hassles by getting everything in writing DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES right from the start. The lease and all letters and receipts should be stored safely in WITNESSETH: That the Lessor for and in consideration of the rents to be paid and the covenant i be performed by the Lessee, does case they are ever needed. hereby let and lease the premises known as apartment numter at in the County of Ingham, City of WHAT SHOULD BE IN A LEASE? In as simple language as possible, a lease should set forth the East Lansing. Michigan, for the term of from 12 p.m. noon of the. day of responsibilities of both tenant and landlord. It should list who is 19 and responsible for repairs and utility payments. It should also set to including the day of 19 until 12 p.m. noon to be used and occupied by the forth procedure on parking, late rent fees, guests, landlord's access to the dwelling, garbage, noise and other Lessee for residential purposes only. specifics like whether the landlord will pay for tenant painting and whether pets RENT. The Lessee hereby agrees to hire the above premises, to pay as rent for the use of said premises the total sum of S are allowed. The lease should, of course, also specify rent amounts and when in monthly installments in advance. This sum is payable as follows: (a) S ' on the signing of this lease, S on the and how they are to be paid. day of 19 , and S on the day of 19 and a WHAT ELSE SHOULD BE DONE TO INITIATE A RENTAL AGREEMENT? like sum on the day of each and every month thereafter during the term of this lease except At the beginning of a lease, the landlord usually requires a . The Lessee further covenanfs that the sum of S dollars due on the day of security deposit to be paid. This cannot equal more than a month and a halfs rent. This deposit must be placed in a regulated 19 be rent for the last month of tenancy covering the period from financial institution or a bond must be deposited with the It is understood and agreed that this payment of the last month's rent does not void or nullify any of Secretary of State's office. The landlord must supply the tenant with an inventory checklist on which they can note all the agreements herein made. property and damage on the premises. The tenant must return a copy of the checklist to the landlord SECURITY DEPOSIT. The Lessee does further hereby agree to pay the sum of dollars (S ) within 7 days of the time they began occupancy. The tenants have the right to see the checklist from the previous tenants. on or before the day of 19 which sum shall be held in,escrow by the Lessor as a Damage Security Deposit. This security deposit is to be used to reimburse the Lessor for all claims including any damage done to the premises by the WHAT SHOULD A TENANT KNOW ABOUT Lessee, his family, his servants or his guests, over and above the wear and tear of normal use. The Lessor's decision on the matter of THE EAST LANSING HOUSING LICENSE damage to the premises shall be final. This security deposit will be returned within 30 days, provided there is no damage and the apartment is left in as clean a condition as when taken, to one address determined by the Lessee. The Lessee may not use the security BEFORE THEY RENT A PLACE? deposit as rent but the Lessor holds the right to apply the security deposit as rent at his option. Some landlords have been lying about the habitable status of basement and attic rooms and the occupancy allowed according to LAWFUL USE. The Lessee hereby agrees to use and occupy said premises for residential purposes only in a quiet and peaceable code parking regulations. manner and to keep and maintain the same in accordance with all police, sanitary or other regulations imposed by any municipal or You can find out whether the rental you are thinking of taking governmental authority and to observe all reasonable regulations and requirements of any insurance underwriters concerning the use and condition of the premises, tending to reduce lire hazards and insurance rates, and not to permit or allow any rubbish, waste has been licensed by calling the East Lansing Dept. of Building and materials or products to accumulate upon said premises, or to permit any use thereof to interfere with the lawful and proper use and Zoning. If it has been licensed, they will have a list of unhabitable enioyment of said building or any part thereof by the Lessor, its agents, servants or any of its other tenants in said building. rooms, code violations and a follow-up report on the property. MINOR^ The Lessee, if one qr more of them is a minor (under the age of twenty-one (21) years), hereby agrees and admits that rental Though the housing code has forced some minor physical of the premises is a necessity of life, and that said minor is obligated to pay the rent as stated aforesaid, and said minor hereby waives changes that add up in older houses, the portions of the code that any rights to abrogate or nullify this leaje that he or she may have. restrict occupancy have not been enforced. WHAT MUST A TENANT DO TO INSURE A STORAGE. All personal property placed in the leased premises, or in the store rooms or in any other portion of said buildings or any FAIR PORTION OF THE SECURITY DEPOSIT place appurtenant thereto, shall be at the risk of the Lessee, or the parties owning same, and Lessor shall in no event be liable for the loss of or damage to such property or for any act of negligence ot any co-tenant or servants of tenants or occupants, or of any person WILL BE RETURNED AT THE END OF THE whomsoever in or about the building. RENTAL AGREEMENT? To be safe, a tenant should attempt to put all communication CAPTIONS. The captions are inserted only as a matter of convenience and for reference and in no way define, limit or describe the with his or her landlord in writing. It can come in handy if they scope of this lease nor the intent of any provision thereof. wind up settling their differences in court. That inventory checklist is crucial and should be filled out LESSOR LESSEE. It is hereby agreed that the word "Lessee" wherever in this agreement mentioned shall be construed to mean either singular or plural, masculine or feminine, and the word "Lessor" shall be construed to mean the Lessor and his duly authorized carefully—it will-be checked against another checklist that the landlord fills out at the end of the leasing period. The tenant is agents, and this lease shall be binding upon the parties hereto, and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and assigns. likely to be charged for all damage not listed on that first checklist. Within four days of leaving the house or apartment, the tenants must notify the landlord of their forwarding address if ALTERATIONS. The Lessee agrees that he will not make any alterations, additions or improvements to said premises without the they want Lessor's written consent, and that all alterations, additions, or improvements made by either of the parties hereto upon the premises, to see the deposit money again. except movable furniture put in at the expense of the Lessee, shall be the property of the Lessor and shall remain upon and be If the tenants disagree with any of the damages that the surrendered with the premises ji the termination ol this lease. wiihounnolestaiKinjjMnjury^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ landlord has deducted from the deposit, they must respond within I IIJLKKI o JO sjno pUI? SUI 91 A tenant can be -payment of violating the terms of the lease (if the lease lias a clause stating that any WHAT DOES A LANDLORD HAVE TO DO TO violation is reason for eviction), failure to leave after expiration of KEEP HIS OR HER FAIR SHARE OF THE the lease and if the tenant causes significant damage to the DEPOSIT? property. The landlord must inform the tenant within 14 But to legally evict tenants, the landlord cannot merely charge days of their lock to tell them to get out moving in of his or her address and of where the security deposit is a by sundown today or next week. being kept. HOW LONG DOES A LEGAL EVICTION TAKE? At the end of the leasing period, the landlord must fill out Two to three weeks at least—usually longer. The landlord has another inventory checklist, compare it with the tenant's list from to serve the tenant with a request that they vacate the property the beginning of the rental period and and explain why. If after 7 days, the tenant has not decided to figure damage deductions. The landlord can also withhold security deposit money for back rent or utility payments owed by tenants. be cause to kepi any firearms, firecrackers; explosives or combustible items, The landlord must send the tenant list of bs at his expense. a withholdings and a check for the remainder of the deposit to the tenants within 30 Ian twenty (20) persons within the apartment at any time. days of the time they moved out, assuming they sent their forwarding address. In order to keep portions of the deposit that tenants dispute, the landlord must take the tenants to court within SORRY NO PETS 45 days. ARE NON-RETURNABLE DAMAGE DEPOSITS THERE WILL BE A $25.00 AND CLEANING FEES LEGAL? In a recent significant circuit court decision, it was ruled that CHARGE EACH TIME A non-refundable carpet cleaning or other janatorial fees are not covered by the security deposit laws of Michigan and are PET IS FOUND IN YOUR allowable. This decision may be appealed. Before this Wayne county decision was made several weeks ago, APARTMENT. courts had gone both ways on non-refundable fees. The author of the Michigan security deposit law, State Sen. Earl day ot'_ , 19. Nelson, D-Lansing, has said that he intended such fees to be covered in the law and he will attempt to pass additional follow the landlords suggestion, the landlord must file for a legislation to ban non-refundable cleaning fees. hearing in court for which the tenant can request a jury. After the WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTENANCE? hearing, there are still days for appeals. It is the landlord's responsibility to provide the tenant with a Considering all the court dates and possible delays, it has to take habitable, healthy living area. Major indoor repairs are the • weeks. And if a landlord does not follow the proper procedure, he landlord's responsibility unless the tenant has caused some undue or she is setting themselves up for a suit. harm to the property or the repair involves something like insects WHAT ABOUT TENANTS WITH NO LEASE? that the tenants acquired after the beginning of their lease. The most common non-written rental agreements are made on a Outdoor maintenance, like snow shoveling and grass cutting, is 30-day basis where the tenant simply pays rent every month and also the responsibility of the landlord unless it is stated otherwise say they will be paying again next month. In this case, the in the lease. Many house landlords have the tenants do this landlord need only give one-month notice to end the oral contract exterior maintenance. Tenants should check on whether and put the tenant out. The landlord could also raise the rent or equipment such as shovels and lawn mowers is being made change other provisions in the agreement with only a months available to them. notice. The month-to-month lease works the other way too, since the WHAT IF THE LANDLORD DOESN'T MAKE tenant can give one-month notice that they are moving out. NECESSARY REPAIRS? HOW HARD IS IT TO GO TO COURT? It can be quite easy, especially in small claims court, which is a First, it is important to make sure that the tenant has made the fast, lawyer-less way to file claims of under $300. landlord aware of the problem. The landlord is usually not around If tenant letters to the landlord about money the tenant claims is enough to keep tabs on necessary repairs and the tenant can save owed doesn't work, the tenant can file a small claims complaint the landlord a lot of money by warning of little problems before the with the district court—it won't cost more than $10 (refunded if walls come crashing in. you win) and as little as five or ten minutes filing and court time. If the tenant gets no action, he or she should complain to the city It can, of course, get more complicated if the landlord requests building and zoning department, which can inspect the property that the case be heard in district court with lawyers. But if the and order the landlord to make repairs within 30 days. tenant thinks he or she is right and has written documentation of If it is a problem involving health, the county health department their rental agreement and complaint to the landlord, they stand a can also be instrumental in getting the necessary repairs made. good chance in court. omeoue nearoy nas tenance by landlords. both at the state and local Usually this complaint form levels. causes both parties to reach a The Michigan Landlords solution before it can go to Assn. (MLA) has over 1,200 a helpful an court. Another type of consumers' organization is Greater Lansing members and is made up of various groups Michigan landlord committed to obtaining Legal Aid, 300 N. Washington legislation that is fair to land¬ Square, Lansing. Staffed by lords. The MLA contends that nine attorneys and various your housing problem part-time help it frequently provides information and legal services concerning housing many state laws are overly favorable to tenants. The MLA, along with the problems. Tri-County Landlords Assn., a You never think it is going to MSU office of Married Housing These services are provided Lansing - based group, both forcement of the city housing have representatives that mo¬ happen to you until you get an located at 1205 S. Harrison code and. takes care of some free to anyone with an income eviction notice in the mail along nitor the legislature for their Road is the place to find under a certain maximum. housing complaints. organizations. with a postcard from your Most students are eligible for housing in one of the various It has frequently been re¬ landlord who is spending your married housing complexes. free legal help and many take sponsible for moving de¬ Tri-County Landlords Assn. security deposit in sunny Aca- advantage of the services of¬ also is member of tenant An application is required. linquent landlords to action on a a pulco. maintenance problems that can fered. Legal Aid attorneys may rating file system that tells For those times the East They are available at the mar¬ take ried be hazardous to tenants' health even housing cases to landlords whether tenants are Lansing area has an array of housing office. Those court. looking for a place for fall term and safety. good or bad risks. organizations that can assist The Michigan Consumers At the local level is the newly tenants and other groups with are advised to put in their Area consumer organizations Council, formed to "uphold and formed East applications early since there Lansing Landlords housing problems. These or¬ Several area consumers' a- defend the rights of the con¬ Assn. with about 40 members. may be some delay in getting ganizations range from the . gencies are equipped to answer sumer," provides brochures Members of this landlords Tenants Resource Center and an apartment. and legal advice for people legal questions on housing, to group are opposed to some of consumer organizations to Students interested in co-op assist in filing complaints a- having housing problems. the restrictions in the East landlord and neighborhood as¬ living are encouraged to caD or gainst landlords and to refer The council, located in Lan¬ Lansing housing code which sociations. stop by the Student Housing forlorn tenants to legal as¬ sing's Hollister Building, is they feel are unreasonable and Corp. office, 311B Student Ser¬ sistance. active in recommending and not applicable to older houses. Helping both tenants and vices Bldg. proposing various consumer They hope to influence city landlords, the Tenants Re¬ The Ingham County Con¬ laws to the legislature. It has source Center, located at 853 The co-op office, which over- sumer Affairs Office, located in housing policy-makers in being Grove St., gives advice and recently been active in pro- more responsive to landlords. information about rental hous¬ Neighborhood associations East Lansing also has three ing. major neighborhood assoc¬ During its first year in oper¬ iations concerned with keeping ation, the nonprofit volunteer various residential neigh¬ organization dealt with over borhoods balanced and produc¬ 1,000 requests for information tive. related to housing problems The Bailey Neighborhood, from both tenants and land¬ Central Neighborhood and Red lords. Cedar Neighborhood Assns. are all concerned with maintaining The center has numerous strict housing code enforce¬ booklets that detail procedures ment along with establishing involving security deposits, e- victions, leasing guidelines and parks and limiting traffic flows maintenance. These booklets through their neighborhoods. are available at the center and There are many student renters in the Bailey area which may also be found in the Off-Campus Housing Office in basically covers the neighbor¬ hoods between Abbott and the Student Services Bldg. MSU organizations Hagadorn Roads. The Red Several MSU organizations Cedar group is located across also provide assistance for peo¬ Harrison Road from South ple having housing problems or Complex and the Central group questions. roughly covers the residential neighborhoods west of Abbott The MSU Off-Campus Hous¬ Road and north of Michigan ing Office, 101 Student Services Avenue. Bldg., keeps lists of telephone sees business, educational and the county prosecutor's office, posing mobile home safety leg¬ Though these organizations numbers of major city apart¬ social aspects of the majority of advises those with islation and is able to give complaints are made up mostly of home¬ ments and other housing as well area co-ops, advises and places on certain housing laws and information dealing with mobile owners, students are encour¬ as a current list of openings. students in co-ops. sends a complaint form to home industry along with sup¬ aged to join. City housing policy possible violators notifying plying information on various The neighborhood groups al¬ The Off-Campus Housing Of¬ Anyone having questions a- them that a complaint has been landlord and tenant laws. so send representatives to city fice also provides tenants and bout city housing policy can call filed against them in the Area landlord associations landlords with information and prose¬ meetings and have been fairly the East Lansing Dept. of cutor's office. Three landlord associations successful in getting the city to some legal assistance in dealing Building and Zoning. The complaints deal with serve the area giving informa¬ make decisions that are favor¬ with housing hassles. This department is respons¬ tion to tenants and landlords such things as evictions and able to homeowners' neighbor¬ For married students, the ible for inspections and en¬ lack of adequate building main¬ besides working for legislation hoods. Credits This orthodox issue of the normally unorthodox Counterpoint magazine has mainly been the effort of State News housing reporter Fred Newton, who does not yet have a place to live for next fall, and former State News housing reporter Mary Flood, who will practically become a pillar of the community this fall when she keeps the same East Lansing address for the third year in a row. Much of the information is a compilation of months of housing stories well as as generaj discussions with landlords, tenants, and city and University officials. Others worthy of praise and thanks are State News photographer Bob Kaye, cartoonist Bill Bradsher and patient, diligent night editor Linda Sandel.