FELCH TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZMQ) – In the recent Felch Township Planning Commission meeting, the main focus was on a special use permit request for a solar development project on the Groveland Mine property. While Copper County, LLC has requested a Special Land Use Permit, the meeting drew substantial public interest, with well over 200 attendees present.
The planning commission decided to table the vote on the special use permit, allowing for more time to consider public comments and address the various aspects of this significant project. The decision was made with the best interests of the community in mind, and the final verdict awaits the next planning session.
A representative from the Felch Township Fire Department attended, and provided valuable insights, particularly concerning safety and risk assessment concerns, as he voiced his familiarity with the gas and oil industry. He expressed confidence that the proposed solar array posed minimal risk to the community.
Another participant, a young man with deep ties to the city of Kingsford, and a strong background in hunting, recreation, and conservation, made a compelling case in support of the solar development. He presented information to attendees about his background within the community and his familiarity with the land under discussion, through growing up in the area and frequently recreating the land.
“My family’s got a camp in Randville, I grew up there. I was there for my whole childhood. So when I heard about this proposed project, obviously it’s something of interest. You can see a lot of folks came out here tonight because it’s big news in town,” he stated, adding “Looking at previous township meetings, there were a lot of folks coming out expressing all these concerns on the final details. I just feel like folks like myself, looking at the big picture, are not really being heard. You look at this, and it’s an objectively good thing,” he reasoned, citing the benefits being added to the community.
“You look at all the money that’s going to go to the schools, and the townships, and the roads and everything. This is stuff that this community could really use. And the big picture of just where this state and this nation is going for renewable power generation, this is a big step in the right direction.” he remarked.
“The place is devoid of wildlife,” commented Mike Anderson. “There’s no better place for these solar panels to go. It’s not a flourishing forest. It’s not someone’s farm fields. This is a really productive use of something that’s literally a wasteland.”
However, concerns were raised about potential electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by the solar array. The developer had consulted experts, who determined that the EMFs would be below harmful levels. To address these concerns further, they pledged to arrange for experts to engage with worried families near the project.
The developer disclosed that they had conducted an EMF test, and would soon release a report to the public before beginning construction.
To allay past concerns about unmet property tax promises, the developer committed to a contractual property tax guarantee of a minimum of $12 million for residents. They also highlighted their intention to employ local union labor for the Groveland project, showcasing their dedication to the local community.
In a philanthropic endeavor, the developer partnered with the Dickinson Area Community Foundation to establish an endowment fund for students at North Dickinson and Norway-Vulcan Schools. Additionally, they announced several grants, including the Groveland Area Improvement Grant, and $75,000 designated for township recreation grants.
To clarify any ambiguity about land ownership, the developer emphasized that the land was private and had already received approval in Norway.
In a show of community support, the developer pledged to provide emergency response training for firefighters in Felch and Norway, further strengthening their commitment to the region’s safety.
Felch Township Supervisor and Zoning Administrator, Robert Mattson, played a pivotal role in addressing residents’ questions and concerns. He encouraged ongoing communication with the public to ensure all concerns were adequately addressed. He made sure that each attendee had his contact details and encouraged them to reach out to him with concerns that the meeting had not addressed.
The township supervisor and zoning administrator can be reached at: rmattson@metropolitanconsult.com
His phone number is 906-280-6402
