SHERWOOD, MI (WTVB) – A special meeting of the Sherwood Township Board is scheduled for Thursday night on a proposed ordinance that would require a Special Use Permit for wind energy conversion systems.
Those opposed to the siting of wind turbines in the northwestern part of Branch County got a major boost from the Sherwood Township Planning Commission this fall when they recommended on a 6-0 vote that the Township Board adopt an amendment to the Township Zoning Ordinance which would require the Special Use Permit.
It would also establish what some regard as stringent regulations and standards.
DTE Energy has been looking at putting in wind turbines in five northwest Branch County townships in recent years. DTE Site Manager Jeff Haines and Anna Keim from the Concerned Citizens of Branch County disagreed during Wednesday’s Branch County Planning Commission meeting over how the proposed ordinance would affect landowners who have already signed agreements with DTE.
Sherwood Township officials have been dealing with the wind turbine issue for almost two years.
Meanwhile, the Matteson Township Planning Commission is scheduled to meet next Wednesday night. According to the public notice for the meeting, a possible topic is to recommend to the township board a text amendment to the township zoning ordinance to permit wind energy conversion systems and to establish regulations and standards for them.
