iminor@dailypress.net
ESCANABA TOWNSHIP A controversial solar farm project planned for Escanaba Township has been scaled back once again, but even with the changes, the Escanaba Township Board was hesitant to say they supported the development within the community.
“Going forward, we hope to be able to work with the planning commission and the township board to be able to develop the project in a way that is compatible with the aesthetics and the intentions of the planning commission and the board,” said Peter Moritzburke, of Orion Renewable Energy.
In 2019, the township board approved a stand-alone solar ordinance that would have allowed Orion Renewable Energy Group to build a large-scale solar farm in the township. However, it was later determined that the ordinance was insufficient for the development to move forward and the township would need instead to approve an amendment to the township’s zoning ordinance if the project were to proceed.