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Residents urge limits on large solar farms and battery storage in Mendon Township
Summary
Residents warned the Planning Commission about safety, farmland loss and evacuation difficulties tied to large solar and battery projects, urged prioritizing brownfield sites, setbacks, impact studies and local control, and said memoranda of understanding suggest thousands of acres are under option.
Several residents told the Mendon Township Planning Commission on July 21 that the township should limit large-scale solar farms and battery energy storage systems (BESS) and prioritize brownfield or nonagricultural sites. Marcia Saunders, who identified herself as a Mendon Township resident with experience in economic development, said she did not see clear long-term community benefits from large solar farms or data centers and urged the commission to "do everything in your power to not allow these companies in our County." She recommended setbacks, buffer zones, impact studies (noise, vibration, emergency response) and strengthened decommissioning rules.
Saunders and other residents raised safety and emergency-response concerns for local Amish households who may not evacuate quickly. Commissioners and staff noted memoranda of understanding on some properties and that countywide options could total roughly 2,300 acres. The commission did not receive any formal large-scale project applications at the meeting; staff reported one residential inquiry and a general inquiry from Consumers Energy but no pending large project applications. The commission agreed to continue public outreach and to examine targeted measures for smaller projects while counsel and staff research options.
