Lansing Businesses Frustrated Over Drainage After Weekend Flooding

Owners say new drainage system is causing more issues during heavy rains

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:39pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a flooded urban area, with buildings and vehicles barely visible through the hazy, rain-soaked environment.As heavy rains continue to batter the region, Lansing businesses struggle to stay afloat amid persistent flooding and drainage issues.Lansing Today

Businesses in Lansing, Michigan near East Kalamazoo Street and South Homer Street are dealing with ongoing flooding issues after heavy rainfall over the weekend. Business owners say the newly constructed drainage system in the area is not handling the water flow properly, leading to road closures, customer access problems, and water damage. The city is investigating the interaction between different drainage systems in the area to try to resolve the overflow problems.

Why it matters

Repeated flooding events can have a significant impact on local businesses, disrupting operations, damaging property, and deterring customers. This story highlights the challenges small businesses face when infrastructure projects fail to adequately address drainage and flood mitigation, raising questions about urban planning, construction oversight, and the city's responsiveness to community concerns.

The details

Several Lansing businesses, including ACE Cleaning and Restoration and Badgley's Garage, have reported ongoing issues with flood waters surrounding their properties after heavy rainfall over the weekend. The area near the intersection of East Kalamazoo Street and South Homer Street, close to US-127, has been particularly impacted, with roads closed and customers unable to access the businesses. The owners believe the newly constructed drainage system in the area, part of road work on Michigan Avenue and the rebuild of US-127, is not functioning properly and is contributing to the overflow problems.

  • Heavy rainfall occurred over the weekend in the Lansing area, leading to the current flooding issues.
  • Lansing Public Service Director Andy Kilpatrick said the city is currently investigating the interaction between the Montgomery drain and the Homer-Howard 127 drainage area, which may be contributing to the overflow.

The players

Cole Spalding

Owner of ACE Cleaning and Restoration, a business impacted by the flooding.

Calvin Badgley

Owner of Badgley's Garage, a business impacted by the flooding.

Andy Kilpatrick

Lansing Public Service Director, who is investigating the drainage issues in the area.

Steakhouse Philly

A restaurant on Kalamazoo Street between Homer and Clippert that has voiced frustrations about the flooding on social media.

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What they’re saying

“Frustrating, I think, is the only way you could put it.”

— Cole Spalding, Owner, ACE Cleaning and Restoration

“I've had five phone calls already today just from flooded cars. People who drove into the water, or it got flooded from sitting in their parking lot.”

— Calvin Badgley, Owner, Badgley's Garage

“They told us the loss of business due to construction would be worth it. Well, the NEW storm drains didn't hold up AGAIN. We took on a little water.”

— Steakhouse Philly

What’s next

Lansing Public Service Director Andy Kilpatrick said the city is investigating the interaction between the Montgomery drain and the Homer-Howard 127 drainage area to try to resolve the overflow issues in the area.

The takeaway

This story highlights the ongoing challenges that small businesses can face when infrastructure projects fail to adequately address drainage and flood mitigation, underscoring the need for better urban planning, construction oversight, and responsiveness to community concerns about public works projects.