COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – It could be the most crowded Work Session in quite some time for the Branch County Board of Commissioners Thursday. Representatives from DTE Energy will be making a presentation on their plan for possible location of wind turbines in the county, and a group opposing them plans to be out in full force.
DTE Energy site manager Jeff Haines told commissioners last month that the company is in the early stages of developing a wind turbine project in Union, Sherwood, Matteson and Batavia Townships.
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.
Members of the group plan to gather outside the courthouse at 8:30 a.m., prior to the 9:00 a.m. Work Session.
