Meridian Township officials unanimously approved a version of a land-share agreement with East Lansing on Tuesday night. But it may not have been the version East Lansing officials were hoping for.
The deal, known as a 425 agreement, includes 93 acres bordering Abbott Road near the East Lansing Family Aquatic Center, 6400 Abbott Road, and 11 acres near Four Winds Golf Course, 5800 Park Lake Road.
Under the 100-year deal, East Lansing would provide city services to the areas, and both municipalities would share tax revenue.
The two municipalities have been trying to reach an agreement since February. If they can’t agree before July 5, the land could be annexed by the city with voter approval on Aug. 6.
The East Lansing City Council will meet at noon today in Conference Room A of City Hall, 410 Abbott Road, to vote on the revisions.
East Lansing City Manager Ted Staton said the passage of the agreement is still up in the air.
The township’s version of the agreement does not include revisions to a wetlands ordinance that prevents developments within 50 feet of any wetlands.
East Lansing officials had rewritten that clause to say 25 feet.
The approved version also includes shared zoning rights between the two communities and 79 acres of the land would return to the township after 100 years.
“I am a little bit bothered by the fact they have weakened our wetlands ordinance,” Meridian Township Trustee Julie Brixie said.
Township Supervisor Sue McGillicuddy said she didn’t agree with the city’s wetlands revisions.
“It takes away the whole purpose of the agreement,” McGillicuddy said. “An agreement gives something to both sides.”
She said one reason why Meridian Township looks different from East Lansing is because the township protects its natural resources better.
McGillicuddy said she also is upset with how the possible annexation vote, slated for Aug. 6, is to be held.
Under state law, all city residents and the residents living on the disputed property can vote. Other township residents are excluded from voting.
“The ridiculousness of the law allowing the city and not the township to vote,” Brixie said.
This isn’t the first time the township has flirted with annexation.
The township almost lost Four Winds Golf Course to annexation in January before an agreement between the two communities was reached.
On Friday, Bath Township and East Lansing reached a separate land-share agreement on 1,056 acres of land north of the city. That land also was set for possible annexation Aug. 6.
Kristofer Karol can be reached at karolkri@msu.edu
