CLINTON COUNTY, Mich. (News 10) – Clinton County residents revisited the debate over a proposed solar farm in Bingham Township Monday night.
The conversation began in 2019, and years later it remains a hot topic.
The developer, RWE, wants to build a 150-megawatt solar farm spanning about 1,500 acres northeast of St. Johns.
“As a resident personally living there and being surrounded by it, I would appreciate if you found another place,” one resident said during public comment.
In July, RWE withdrew its application to the Michigan Public Service Commission, with plans to make adjustments.
The company plans to submit a new application soon.
The new proposal will be nearly identical, minus about 50 acres no longer tied to the project.
For neighbors like Jim Lawless, who lives next to the proposed site, the refiling came as no surprise.
“Well, we kind of expected this. We knew that they weren’t going to give up,” Lawless said.
Lawless was one of a dozen residents who stepped up to the mic Monday night to share input, raising concerns over property values.
“Literally this spring I had my taxes, my SEV decrease, because I now live next to a solar development,” Lawless said.
RWE representatives addressed concerns, maintaining that solar sites do not hurt surrounding land values and pointing to the broader benefits.
“I believe you’ll find it’s quiet, clean, produces no foul odors, uses no harsh chemicals, and will have little impact on wildlife,” said Kevin Cole representing RWE.
They add the company is in talks with Consumers Energy to potentially sell the project.
Construction on the development is expected to start in mid to late 2027 and reach commercial operation by mid 2029.
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