The effort to build a $400,000 sports complex at the site formerly occupied by Tyler Refrigeration on Lake Street to a large step forward Monday.

During its regular meeting, the Niles City Council unanimously agreed to enter into a public recreation easement agreement with Carrier Inc. — the company that owns Tyler Refrigeration — for property located at 1329 Lake Street, northwest of Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport.

Carrier also agreed to contribute $400,000 toward the building of a recreational facility there that would include multiple softball fields.

“The sports complex up there will be a great asset for the community,” said councilman Bill Weimer.

Niles also unanimously agreed to take over another portion of former Tyler land located across the street at 1213 N. 13th. That land includes a building, vacant lot and parking lot.

The deal seemed up in the air two weeks ago when City Administrator Ric Huff told the council Carrier wanted the city to either keep the N. 13th Street property forever or indemnify Carrier of any contamination issues on the property.

Those stipulations have since been taken off the table, Huff said.

Several council members, including Mayor Mike McCauslin, praised Huff for his work in securing the deal.

“It is because of our city administrator’s efforts and negotiating skills… that we have such a very good and very positive agreement with the Carrier Corporation on both of the properties so a big thanks to Ric for all the hard work,” the mayor said.

The city has said the complex will cost taxpayers nothing. The city’s parks and recreation department would create an entity to oversee every aspect of the sports complex, from maintenance to operation to supervision.

Upkeep of such a facility was estimated at $30,000 annually. Making the sports complex pay-for-play would cover those costs.

Tyler Refrigeration closed in 2009, leaving more than 400 people out of work. The property has remained unused since then.