OSHTEMO TOWNSHIP, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – After the township board last November passed a one-year moratorium on developing battery energy storage system facilities, the Oshtemo Township Planning Commission Thursday is continuing work on developing a zoning ordinance for such facilities.
The topic has caused controversy, with some residents concerned about safety risks, and township officials say they have received criticism on the speed in developing an ordinance.
This week the Planning Commission will hear from public sector and academic guest speakers, while additional scientific and technical experts are also expected to provide input on what should be in the ordinance for battery energy storage safety.
In a news release Tuesday, township officials say they are actively working on an energy systems ordinance and are committed to a transparent, fact-based process that protects residents and neighboring communities.
They say in recent weeks, some public comments and social media posts have suggested that little or no work is happening on the ordinance, or that it is being developed behind closed doors, but “Those claims are not accurate. No ordinance drafting has occurred in closed session.”
NewEdge Renewable Power gave a presentation to the township planning commission last August on battery storage systems, saying they in the preliminary stages of development, but no formal proposals have been submitted.
A recall effort is targeting five board members, including Supervisor Cheri Bell, Clerk Dusty Farmer, and Trustees Neil Sikora, Zak Ford, and Kristin Cole, with organizers citing concerns over the potential safety and environmental risks of battery storage systems, over $500,000 in unbudgeted compensation increases, and increased taxes.
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