Marion Township community upset by proposed solar energy ordinance

LIVINGSTON COUNTY, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) — A board assembly in Livingston County Thursday night time was presupposed to set the document straight. 

Marion Township group members in Livingston County are upset a couple of proposed ordinance that will enable photo voltaic farms to be constructed there. 

This, together with a lot of the wording of the ordinance, or lack thereof, has individuals upset they usually wish to be certain their voice is heard.

At the moment, there appears to be bitterness between the township board and other people in the neighborhood so either side are attempting to return collectively and are available to a resolve. 

CBS Information Detroit realized the issue is not precisely about whether or not photo voltaic farms will probably be in the neighborhood; it is extra so they need a say in how issues will function for years to return. 

They do not really feel heard which is why there was a gathering Thursday night time at Parker Center College to debate the ordinance.

Most individuals we spoke to are okay with photo voltaic panels being put in in the neighborhood so long as there are guidelines which might be adopted and adhered by. 

This implies ensuring there are backup plans and environmental issues are addressed and considered if and when photo voltaic panel fields are put in.

“I believe they’re being confused by different neighboring township residents, mentioned Marion Township Supervisor Bob Hanvey. “I’m not certain what the aim is.”

Neighboring townships Conway and Cohoctah have giant scale photo voltaic initiatives within the works and residents there are additionally upset with the proposals.

Marion township is on the step earlier than that and group members wish to be certain what’s occurring there would not occur of their city.

We obtained emails from a number of individuals who had sturdy opinions on the proposed ordinance.

One such mentioned the next, partly:

“The peace and tranquility of this space hangs within the stability, no matter any guarantees made, contradictory statements about ‘protections’ and public enter. It’s obscure for the common metropolis dweller how a lot of a distinction to ‘high quality of life’ these modifications make.”

Hanvey mentioned the board has been clear and sincere.

“Based mostly on the remark we had there was assumptions there was imminent development beginning and that isn’t occurring,” mentioned Hanvey. “We shouldn’t have any info of anybody who desires to start out development of a photo voltaic farm or photo voltaic utility in Marion Township.”

Marion Township is house to a bit of greater than 11,000 individuals and no matter public enter they’re scared plans are going to maneuver ahead with the ordinance. 

The ordinance would set up a photo voltaic farm power overlay district and the requirements for any photo voltaic power services amongst different issues. 

Hanvey let it’s recognized board members are on their aspect.

“There have been no township board members in favor of getting a photo voltaic utility set up in Marion township,” mentioned Hanvey. 

This preliminary tiff began only a few weeks in the past after the board postponed the dialogue however Hanvey mentioned photo voltaic has been talked about in the neighborhood since 2018.

The township board moved the assembly to Parker Center College as a result of they count on upwards of 700 individuals to attend. There was regulation enforcement current simply in case issues get out of hand.