BRONSON, MI (WTVB) – The Matteson Township Planning Commission will meet Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. to gather public comments and input for zoning regulations concerning wind turbines.
Because of the anticipated crowd, the meeting will be held at the St. Mary’s School gymnasium in Bronson.
The township has been exploring the wind issue for several months.
DTE Energy has reportedly recorded easements on more than 276 parcels of agricultural property in Branch County which could be used for wind turbines. The utility has also signed lease agreements on 22,000 acres of land in the northwest part of the county.
The utility even sponsored a tour to Breckenridge Wind Farm in Gratiot County in early February in an attempt to their side of the wind debate.
But a local group opposed to the construction of industrial wind powered turbines in Branch County has been very active in trying to get their message out thanks in part to numerous social media postings.
Concerned Citizens of Branch County says the wind powered turbines will cause property values to drop by as much as 40 percent for those who live nearby. 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.
