To the editor:
In the Nov. 23rd edition of the Enterprise, we were able to see two contrasting examples of how citizens have the opportunity to impact our community. An article on page one showed how the citizens of Cleveland Township are expressing concern about further development in the area. They exercised their eight as property owners to question the Cleveland Township Planning Commission about a planned development. The commission responded that the development met all the criteria for the site plan ordinance. The outcome may not have been what the concerned citizens wanted, but at least the commission heard them.
Contrast that with the reporting on page nine: “Energy bill removes local control.” The Michigan House and Senate passed a bill that has stripped our ability to voice concern about large-scale wind and solar projects. This bill will overrule local zoning ordinances already in place with projects approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). The local ordinances were set based on citizen’s input and data gathered regarding the impact of large-scale wind and solar projects on the community. The creation and passing of this bill removes our rights as citizens to be heard and included in determining the best solutions for our unique environment.
