Traverse City Record-Eagle

Elmwood Township

March 20, 2008

Substation outcry yields amendment

BY MELISSA DOMSIC

GREILICKVILLE -- A proposed electrical substation is on its way to Elmwood Township, against the wishes of many residents.

Now, a shift in township rules requires public input before an essential service facility can gain approval.

Township trustees narrowly passed a zoning ordinance amendment to that effect last week in the wake of outcry over Wolverine Power Cooperative's proposed $4 million high-voltage substation near the corner of Bugai Road and M-72.

"The public didn't get any input, and that's why we pushed this language," said Jeff Aprill, planning commission chairman.

The zoning changes won't affect Wolverine's plans, which received the green light under the ordinance's previous provisions that exempt essential services from normal zoning requirements.

A new zoning ordinance is in the works that requires site plan review of "essential service structures, equipment, or accessories."

The amendment to the existing ordinance addresses the issue in the mean time, while township officials continue refining the new rules.

Trustees passed the amendment with a 4-to-3 vote. Some trustees objected to the fact that it restricts certain essential service facilities to the C-4 commercial district.

"The use of just the C-4 district must be examined," township Supervisor Derith Smith said. "A reasonable amount of land must be available or exclusionary zoning can be allowed."

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