LANSING, Mich. — The Walnut Hills property in East Lansing has had people talking for years.
When a developer bought it last year a plan to build 250 homes on the former golf course had neighbors bringing the fight to Meridian Township.
The 200 acre site remains unoccupied and now many agree it has become an eyesore.
Meridian Township has been keeping a close eye on the Walnut Hill property and they say if the owner doesn't take action, they will have to.
"We are here to protect the property values of those living adjacent to the Walnut Hills and we'll do what it takes including court action," said Frank Walsh-McCardel the Township Manager.
FOX 47 News talked to neighbors nearby and they say the current owner Steve Schaffer is not keeping up with the property.
LaNita Campbell the President of Skyline Association says that Schaffer agreed that he would keep his property controlled, but he hasn't been doing that.
I reached out to Schaffer and he says that he has been keeping up with parts of the 200 acres of land.
That he is doing what they agreed upon in court.
But neighbors feel that he isn't doing enough so they asked the township to step in.
"We've already sent a contractor out to mow the lawn which fits within our ordinance and we'll bill him for that," said Walsh-McCardel
That's not all the township has done.
"Well, we've already filed an appearance ticket at 55th district court and that's where we plan to go unless he adheres what he needs to our community standards to take care of the property."
While keeping up with the land is a concern right now, what the future holds for the property is still a question.
"I hope they never develop Walnut Hills I like to be able to look out my kitchen window in the morning and see greenery," said Kenny Darwin.
Nearby neighbors say they want to see growth in the community, however they want the peace to be kept between the new developers and their home.
Schaffer tells FOX 47 News that he still plans to develop the land. No word on when that might be.
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