Tension was high Tuesday evening as representatives of the company that has proposed a massive solar farm in Fayette Township gave a presentation about the project at a special meeting of the Township Planning Commission.
A number of area residents and officials filed into the cafetorium at Jonesville High School to voice their opposition to the Heartwood II solar project.
Hillsdale County Probate Court Judge Michelle Bianchi was among those who spoke. She urged the commission to take the community’s concerns to heart.
Following the initial public comment period, which lasted well over an hour, representatives from Ranger Power took the stage to give a presentation.
Tensions rose as community members expressed frustration because they felt they weren’t properly informed that the company would be speaking.
The representatives talked about their efforts to work with the community. They attempted to answer the public’s questions about the project.
Questions from residents focused on the lack of clear notifications to residents and where the power generated by the project would go.
The representatives said notices are sent to government officials, who are tasked with notifying the public.
They said the power would be sold on the open market.
Officials say Tuesday’s presentation is an early step in a long approval process.
The 1,350-acre solar farm has sparked controversy and led two members of the Planning Commission to recuse themselves from deliberating or voting on the issue because they have a financial interest in the project.