March 21, 2012
Michigan

Township to gather public comment on wind energy

By Mary Drier, Staff Writer, Tuscola County Advertiser, www.tuscolatoday.com 21 March 2012

GILFORD – The Gilford Township Planning Commission’s public hearing on allowing additional wind energy development in the township will be 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 27.
NextEra Energy Resources LLC is requesting a special use permit for one anemometer and for eight “more” wind turbines sites. The proposed sites for the turbines are in Sections 4, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 24, and 26 of the township.
“It’s my understanding it will still be for just five turbines, but they are looking at (potential) sites for them,” said Supervisor Jim Stockmeyer.
A copy of the special use application is available to be viewed at the township hall at 6230 W. Gilford Road during regular business hours.
On March 5, the planning commission approved site plans for NextEra to build 29 turbines, which made a total of 63 turbines to be developed in the township.
However, at that meeting, NextEra also asked about the possibility of more wind development in Gilford Township because Merritt Township officials denied their request in February to build nine turbines there.
If Gilford’s Planning Commission approves the request for additional wind generator development, that would bring the number of turbines to 68 or 72 if all eight sites happen to be approved.
In addition, NextEra Energy plans to build seven turbines in Blumfield Township as part of their wind-farm project. The company’s overall goal is to build 79 turbines for their wind farm— a $250 million investment.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/03/21/township-to-gather-public-comment-on-wind-energy/