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Neighbors ask Mendon Township about possible solar farm near Buchner Road
Summary
At the Sept. 3 Mendon Township meeting, Cindy and Jack VanderKley asked whether a solar farm could be sited in fields adjacent to their Buchner Road home; Supervisor Kline said Advanced Power had expressed interest in the Haas property and provided a Consumers Energy contact for further information.
Cindy and Jack VanderKley told the Mendon Township board on Sept. 3 that they are concerned a solar farm may be built in fields next to their home on Buchner Road. Cindy said the panels would be "right in the fields next to our home," and asked the board who residents should contact with questions.
Supervisor Kline told the VanderKleys that a company had contacted him and that he had heard the firm was looking at the Haas property because of an existing power line. He identified the company/person that contacted him as Advanced Power/Erik Horeen and gave a Consumers Energy contact for residents seeking information: Greg Moore, 269-275-8307. Donna Cupp reminded the speakers that "we wouldn’t know anything until they would approach the Township" and noted there is a township ordinance that governs such developments.
The VanderKleys said they have heard reports locally about leases and timelines; one contractor told them developers have up to five years to finalize leases before proceeding. Supervisor Kline said he had not received a formal application and that the township had not taken any action on the matter. No formal proposal, permit application, or board vote on the solar project was recorded in the meeting minutes. The board did not take further action at the Sept. 3 meeting; residents were given the Consumers Energy contact to pursue technical or interconnection questions.
