COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Representatives from D.T.E. Energy asked the Branch County Board of Commissioners Tuesday to be put on the agenda for their July 19, 2018 work session.
D.T.E. Energy site manager Jeff Haines told commissioners they were in the early stages in Union, Sherwood, Matteson and Batavia Townships of developing a wind turbine project.
D.T.E. Energy Regional Manager Barbara Rykwalder said they have paid over $330,000,000 in local and state property taxes in the last year.
While the utility has reportedly recorded easements on nearly 300 parcels of agricultural property in Branch County, their efforts are being opposed by a local group called Concerned Citizens of Branch County.
The group claims the wind powered turbines will cause property values to drop by as much as 40 percent for nearby residents. They also say both humans and wildlife will be harmed by shadow flicker and noise. The group is calling for responsible zoning and safe setbacks from property lines.
