GREILICKVILLE -- Wolverine Power Cooperative is proposing a revised site plan for its Elmwood Township electrical substation, a project strongly opposed by residents concerned about noise and visual impact on the scenic area.
An informal public hearing is set for 7 p.m. Monday, when representatives from Wolverine will present the site plan. Elmwood Township's board also will review whether the recently amended zoning ordinance applies to the project, which received the go-ahead under previous rules.
Wolverine spokeswoman Nancy Tanner would not comment on the proposed site plan changes.
New plans for the high-voltage substation near the corner of Bugai Road and M-72 call for the structure to be lowered into the ground and surrounded by a "very aggressive landscaping plan," said Christopher Grobbel, township zoning administrator and planning coordinator. It also would push the facility back from the road on one side.
"They have in good faith tried to meaningfully mitigate impacts ..." Grobbel said. "If it's built as it's currently being proposed by Wolverine, we should have significant lessening of impact to neighbors."
But Mason Argue, who's developing a neighboring subdivision, isn't satisfied.
"It looks to me like it's the same plan ... all they're doing is planting some trees around it," he said.
Argue, his wife and another neighbor unsuccessfully sued Wolverine in an attempt to reverse Elmwood's Zoning Board of Appeals decision in February that the substation is exempt from zoning provisions as an essential service, according to rules at the time.
But the township passed an ordinance amendment in March that requires public input before an essential service facility can gain approval.
Township officials initially said the amendment wouldn't affect Wolverine, but that was questioned by Argue and his attorney.
Township attorney Jim Young will discuss his legal opinion of the issue, but wouldn't comment on it until Monday's meeting.
Township Supervisor Derith Smith wasn't sure how Monday's meeting will pan out.
"I am always glad that all options are pursued, but resolution isn't a simple choice in this case," she said. "I have to hear from the public."
Electrical substation meeting
What: An informal public hearing and update on Wolverine Power Cooperative's planned substation
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Where: Elmwood Township Hall, 10090 E. Lincoln Rd.
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