by Joseph Schultz
Though the Monterey Township Planning Commission meeting earlier this week was called off, the commission continues to work on the solar panel issue.
Community members filled the Monterey meeting room last month to learn about the solar project proposed by NorthStar Clean Energy – Allegan Solar LLC. Company representatives outlined their plan to build and operate a 101-megawatt solar energy and 200-megawatt battery energy storage system(BESS) in Monterey and Hopkins townships.
The Planning Cdommission took questions from residents about the solar farm. Planning Chairman Scott Boeve said the township would research the questions, and provide answers at the next meeting that was scheduled for Monday, Feb. 9, which was canceled.
Monterey Township Supervisor Henry Reinart explained that township staff members have not completed the review of the project. Reinart pointed out that it is a very large project, and their rural township does not have a full-time staff to work on it.
Despite the township’s workload challenges, the supervisor pledged they would do their due diligence for the township, “To protect the general health, safety and welfare.”
The township has contracted the engineering firm Wightman & Associates to help review the technical portions of the application. Wightman also needs some time to review the 357-page application NorthStar submitted.
The proposed project is quite expansive. The solar farm is planned to be bounded by 128th Avenue to the north, 26th Street to the west, 125th Avenue to the south and 23rd Street to the east.
Landscaping for the solar project will be maintained by use of sheep.
Northstar plans to start construction in 2027, and be in operation by 2028.
Despite the Feb. 9 meeting’s cancellation, the project is still moving forward. On Feb. 23, NorthStar is scheduled to go before the Hopkins Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to seek relief of provisions in the Hopkins solar ordinance.
At issue is NorthStar’s desire to construct the solar operation closer than the 300 feet limit the ordinance has set for a non-associated dwelling. NorthStar also wants a variance from being no closer than 100 feet from a flood plain and wetland.
The Monterey Planning Commission’s next meeting will be Monday, March 9. Reinart indicated NorthStar Clean Energy’s application will be on the agenda.
