Residents of Fayette Township and surrounding communities voiced their opposition, Monday night, to a proposed solar farm.
Their comments came during a Township Planning Commission meeting that was held at Jonesville High School, due to a large turnout.
The project by Ranger Power would cover about 1,350 acres between Jonesville and Hillsdale.
During nearly 90 minutes of public comments, residents criticized and questioned the project, citing concerns about environmental impact, water quality, and the loss of farmland.
Some argued the township lacks a clear ordinance to regulate large solar developments and urged careful review and independent advice.
The meeting’s agenda included an action item to submit a site plan for the project to the township Zoning Administrator for review.
However, after planning commissioners Dale Baker and Steve McElroy recused themselves, the commission did not have a quorum and was unable to act on the site plan submittal.
Baker and McElroy bowed out of discussion and action on the issue because both have financial interests in the project.
Newly-elected Chairperson Jane Munson said that members of the Planning Commission have the same concerns as other residents. She said the commission is working to create an ordinance to regulate renewable energy installations.
They won’t be able to take action on the issue until the Township Board holds a meeting to appoint new members to the Planning Commission – a move that would restore a quorum.
Munson said the goal is to have an ordinance in place before taking action on Ranger Power’s plan.
She said the proposal is in the early stages.