BATTLE CREEK, Mich. \u2014 An early proposal to convert a Battle Creek golf course into an industrial-residential complex has sparked concern among some residents.<\/p>\n
“This place is a cherished institution around this little local community,” one longtime golfer told News Channel 3 about Riverside Golf Club & Banquet Center.<\/p>\n
Once a country club and later a public golf course, Riverside dates back to 1926 \u2014 with nearly a century’s worth of old photos and tournament memorabilia to show for it.<\/p>\n
The property has been up for sale for about two years. Now, it is under a tentative contract with Interstate Capital Investments (ICI), a firm that said it develops mid-sized industrial cities, particularly throughout the Midwest.<\/p>\n
Residents living within a 400 foot radius of Riverside were invited to a community engagement meeting on Wednesday to learn about the plans and provide feedback.<\/p>\n
Renderings for ICI’s proposed development that were shared during the workshop showed about a quarter of the land divided into a residential district, with single family lots, townhomes, and “transitional” use. Another quarter of the land is labeled for commercial and office buildings and nearly half of the land is outlined for industrial space.<\/p>\n
The developers stated during the meeting that the industrial portion could end up being occupied by one or several large buildings, totaling between 50 and 150 square feet. <\/p>\n
While some residents said they are open to the idea of new development, the majority of people who spoke up urged against anything industrial coming into the primarily residential community.<\/p>\n
“I am concerned about the word industrial,” said one resident. Another added, “I’m assuming the industrial part is based on that you can get some money for those lots.”<\/p>\n