FRANKFORT -- Another northern Michigan community wants to increase local renewable energy sources, including a possible biomass power plant.
Frankfort city officials are working on a new master plan, including guidelines for residential districts, future land use and transportation issues. Deep inside the draft master plan is a section on renewable energy that highlights the Benzie County city's goal of energy independence and how it could achieve that position through wind, solar and biomass technologies.
City Superintendent Joshua Mills realizes biomass energy -- whether generated from burning wood, other organic material or household rubbish -- is a contentious issue. He expects the issue to prompt plenty of debate, though no one has yet to propose such a facility in town.
"It's nothing the city is committed to. The city is committed to pursuing renewable energy," Mills said.
Its willingness to consider a biomass power plant puts Frankfort among the ranks of communities like Traverse City and Mancelona, where facilities have been approved or are under consideration. Wood-burning power plants already exist in Cadillac and Grayling.
Frankfort's potential flirtation with biomass troubles some residents of the Lake Michigan shoreline town.
"I think it's definitely not in line with Frankfort's inherent goals. We're not an industry town anymore," said city resident Sarah Louisignau.
She's concerned how tourism could be hurt if Frankfort turns to a biomass plant, and said the public should have ample opportunities to review and critique any such plans.
City officials said no biomass proposal exists, but they want to be ready to consider such a project. The proposed master plan states the city will work with entrepreneurs who may want to build such a facility.
"We're not sneaking anything into the document or trying to do anything behind people's backs," said Bruce Ogilvie, who chairs the city's Planning Commission.
Frankfort has an obligation to be "far-sighted" on energy issues and needs to be prepared to consider biomass technology and other developing energy-capture methods, Ogilvie said.
Public comments will be accepted on the master plan through March 6, and any future biomass proposal would face public scrutiny, he said.
Frankfort's proposed master plan also details how the city should focus on enhancing energy efficiencies at all existing civic buildings, promote green building techniques, develop wind and solar energy generation guidelines and seek state and federal grants for alternative-energy pilot projects.
Frankfort's planning commission will meet March 9 and is expected to schedule a master-plan public hearing.
More information
Frankfort's proposed master plan can be reviewed online at www.frankfortmich.com under the current events link.
Written comments can be submitted through March 6 to: City of Frankfort Planning Commission Chairman, P.O. Box 351, 412 Main St., Frankfort, MI 49635-0351.
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