OVID TOWNSHIP, MI (WTVB) – No action was taken by the Ovid Township Planning Commission on Tuesday night as a public hearing was held on a Special Land Use request concerning the Apex Solar- Coldwater River Solar Project.
The applicants are requesting approval of the Site Plan and Special Land Use Permits required for development of the 14 parcel project. The parcels are on agricultural land in Ovid Township.
They are bordered by Fenn Road to the north, Central Road to the south, Fillmore Road to the east and South Behnke Road to the west.
The Planning Commission will eventually make a positive or negative recommendation to the Township Board who will make the final decision.
As expected, a large crowd attended Tuesday night’s hearing which lasted for about an hour at the Ovid Township Hall.
No votes were taken as there were some audience questions that need clarification from attorneys and Apex Solar. Questions about setbacks were also raised.
Backers claim that if the project is built, Coldwater Solar is expected to generate up to $21 million in new tax revenue for Coldwater and Ovid Townships as well as for county services and local school districts including Coldwater Community Schools.
Supporters also claim the project will create hundreds of new clean energy jobs during construction and several permanent positions for ongoing operations of the facility.
But some Ovid Township residents are opposed to the large solar project as they have concerns are potential impacts on agricultural land and property values.
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