OTTAWA COUNTY, MI -- A capacity crowd filled an Ottawa County township hall as residents in rural Zeeland voiced opposition to a proposed large-scale solar farm.

The crowd filled the lower level of the Zeeland Township hall Tuesday, Dec. 9 as one resident after another told township planners why they believe a $300 million solar farm would ruin the township’s agricultural character.

“Zeeland Township must stand firm and protect the land and agriculture identity that defines this place,” said Gerald Vanderlugt, who lives on 48th Avenue.

“Once it’s covered in steel, glass, wiring and fencing, that land is gone for 30 to 40 years,” he said.

Most of the approximate 200 people who packed the meeting were in opposition to the solar project planned by Germany-based energy company RWE.

Zeela

See Full Page