Eaton County to move ahead with $3.9M land acquisition

CHARLOTTE - The county will move ahead with a $3.9 million acquisition of a 432-acre gravel pit between Charlotte and Eaton Rapids that is slated to become the county's largest park.

The property, known as Crandell Lake, near the corner of M-50 and Stewart Road got support from the Eaton County Board of Commissioners Wednesday night. Members voted to move ahead with a final agreement on the acquisition of the property.

The property's purchase will cost the county nothing. It will be paid for by a state grant, which covers 75 percent of the $3.9 million selling price. Property owner Randy Crandell plans to donate the remaining 25 percent.

The vote pushed the project forward after a six-year standstill and dispute over different appraisals of the land's value. Earlier this month Crandell said he had agreed to accept the latest appraisal of $3.9 million, paid for by Friends of Eaton County Parks, a nonprofit organization.

The property already contains the largest body of water in Eaton County, a 160-acre lake that’s up to 35 feet deep. Turning it into a park would more than double the county’s existing park land. Nature trails, camping space, a beach, fishing area and amphitheater have all been discussed as possible amenities.

Commissioner Kent Austin, R-Bellevue, cast the lone dissenting vote Wednesday, citing concerns over the cost of developing the property into a park.

"I have not seen a five-year plan or a 10-year plan," Austin said before the vote. "I don't know how we're going to fund it. It's something we need to talk about."

But several others said the land was too big an opportunity to pass up.

"This is a generational gift, as far as I'm concerned, from the State of Michigan to the citizens of Eaton County," said Commissioner Roger Eakin, R-Dimondale. "We'd be remiss not to take it."

Residents turn out to meeting

Residents from around the county turned out to Wednesday's meeting. Before the commission vote most voiced their support for the project.

"Really this isn't for us," said Dee Cassidy of Eaton Rapids. "It's for our kids and our grandkids. We can become the jewel of southern Michigan, without a doubt."

Phil Bombrys, Hamlin Township supervisor, told officials they shouldn't worry about opening up the land as a park right away.

"But you need to secure the land while you have the opportunity," he said.

But Jeana Rohrs said she is concerned about what the park's development will cost taxpayers.

"I'm wondering if there will be a millage down the road to do all of these things," she said.

Commission Chair Blake Mulder, R-Grand Ledge, said he believes the park's future development can be funded through grants and donations, with "minimal cost" to the county.

Commissioner Joseph Brehler, D-Delta Township, said the next step should be establishing a committee to address how the park's development will be funded.

Eaton County officials to vote on Crandell Lake park deal

"I think it would be unwise to say the county won't have to invest some of its own money into this," he said.

The final terms of the property acquisition will be negotiated and then voted on by the commission at a later date.

Contact Rachel Greco at (517) 528-2075 or rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @GrecoatLSJ.