Favorable ruling for City of Three Rivers

Members of a state panel Wednesday sided with the city of Three Rivers in its attempt to annex a 77-acre parcel of land from Lockport Township.
By a 3-to-2 vote, the five-member State Boundary Commission recommended in favor of the city following a public proceeding at the commission’s office in Lansing.
At stake is the prospective development of a $4.1 million, 17-field sports complex on a property between North Main Street to the west and Buckhorn Road to the east.
The issue has one more obstacle to clear, as the recommendation now rests in the hands of Shelly Edgerton, director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The department oversees the State Boundary Commission.
Three Rivers Mayor Tom Lowry said it’s his understanding the final decision will be made June 2.
The so-called “Field of Dreams” property was purchased by the city for $755,000. Its main users would be AYSO soccer, which is made up of Constantine, Centreville, White Pigeon and Mendon, along with the Three Rivers, Fabius, Park and Lockport entities; Three Rivers Rocket football; and Three Rivers Little League, which is comprised of baseball, softball and T-ball.
St. Joseph County officials have pledged $2.8 million toward the concept, an offer that in itself has been scrutinized by a number of county residents.