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Commission reviews preliminary materials for proposed West Hill Road solar project, asks staff to prepare comments
Summary
Commissioners reviewed preliminary plans for a utility-scale solar project on West Hill Road (project parcel split: approx. 23 acres for solar, 17 acres retained under PA 490), discussed screening, stormwater and removal requirements, and asked staff to prepare comments to the Siting Council when an application is filed.
Staff presented preliminary materials for a proposed solar project off West Hill Road and asked commissioners whether they wished to prepare comments for the Siting Council in advance of a formal application. The proposal is preliminary; no Siting Council application has been submitted.
Key project details discussed: staff said the property is being split, with the parcel for the solar array estimated at about 23 acres and the retained parcel at about 17 acres under PA 490. Panel arrays were described as set back roughly 600 feet from West Hill Road; staff and commissioners focused discussion on screening, buffering, stormwater connections near a nearby retention basin, and the visual effect from the road.
Commissioners also discussed decommissioning and removal requirements. Staff noted a recent change in state statute requires removal of below-ground mounts/supports if a facility is abandoned and that siting submissions typically include an abandonment or decommissioning plan.
One participant cited potential tax revenue if the project is energized; staff said the solar portion could yield an estimated $40,000 in annual tax revenues once operational. Commissioners requested staff begin drafting comments emphasizing enhanced screening and site protections so the commission is prepared when the formal application is filed with the Siting Council.
The matter was informational; staff will return with formal filing materials or a draft comment outline when an application is submitted.
