East Lansing and other municipalities need to watch where they grow in the future. Land annexation is not a new issue for the city. For years, East Lansing and Meridian Township have been at odds over various property issues. It has not always gone well.

In late 1999, East Lansing attempted to annex 66 acres near the north end of the city for use in a softball complex and aquatic center project. The land, while located in Meridian Township, belonged to the city. Despite the obvious conclusion that the land, since owned by the city, should be part of the city, annexation attempts were met with a lawsuit.

Another instance in which 557 acres of MSU farmland to be used for a $50 million research facility would be shared between Meridian Township and East Lansing was voted down.

These and other 425 agreements - plans designed to allow municipalities to share a piece of land and its tax revenues, as well as providing services -