COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Planning Commission Wednesday met for the first time since March 2017, after a local citizens group asked the Branch County Board of Commissioners last month to pursue a county wide ordinance that would cover industrial wind turbines.
Concerned Citizens of Branch County is opposed to the siting of proposed wind turbines by DTE Energy. The group has approached the county for help after a proposal to have the Union Township Board form a Planning Commission failed at the ballot box in November 268-243. The 25 vote margin was confirmed in a recount last Friday.
There is no zoning right now in Union Township. Planner Patrick Hudson from the Southcentral Michigan Planning Council said the location of the Branch County Memorial Airport is a critical issue.
500 foot tall wind turbines would not be allowed to be within four miles of the airport under current laws.
Hudson said a Master Plan is needed before a county wide zoning ordinance on wind turbines can be put together. He said the Branch County Master Plan from 1990 would need to be updated and it would probably have to be done by a professional.
At the conclusion of the 90 minute meeting, the Planning Commission decided to talk more about wind turbines during their next meeting March 6, 2019. Board Member Marilyn Johnson asked County Commissioner Randall Hazelbaker about the possibility of the Commissioners issuing a moratorium on wind turbines. Hazelbaker said it can be discussed.
