Sports complex controversy continues

A public hearing on St. Joseph County’s proposed 2017 fiscal-year budget generated scrutiny toward the county’s board of commissioners Tuesday.
The focus of the scorn centered on the proposed $18.1 million general-fund budget and the $2.8 million the board earlier this year agreed to provide toward expenses related to a 17-field sports complex in the Three Rivers area.
The proposed location, an 80-acre parcel between North Main Street to the west and Buckhorn Road to the east, is in Lockport Township but the city of Three Rivers is attempting to annex the property. The annexation process, however, remains in litigation.
Mike Friesner, Lockport Township treasurer, echoed comments shared by other audience members. Friesner said he has handled literally hundreds of comments from residents who have a negative opinion about the sports complex proposal.
Commissioners are due to pass the proposed 2017 budget Dec. 20.