MONTAGUE TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Montague Township officials took a proactive step toward managing future development Tuesday by adopting a new data center ordinance, while another discussion highlighted the challenges that can arise when oversight of an existing large scale project becomes unclear.
During the July 14 Township Board meeting, trustees unanimously approved regulations governing future data center developments. Later in the meeting, officials discussed ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Macbeth Solar project, saying they are struggling to determine who is responsible for meeting commitments made when the project was originally approved.
Together, the two discussions illustrated a common theme: preparing for future development while ensuring existing projects remain accountable long after construction is complete.
Township Approves Data Center Ordinance
The Township Board unanimously adopted its new data center ordinance following the required county review period.
Supervisor Jeff King said the county did not submit comments during its review, allowing the township to move forward with adoption. The ordinance will be published in summary form before becoming effective.
Although no data center has been proposed in Montague Township, board members said adopting regulations now gives the township clear standards before any future developer submits an application.
King noted that communities across the country are grappling with issues surrounding large data centers, including persistent noise, increasing electrical demands, and impacts on nearby neighborhoods. He also pointed to transmission infrastructure as one factor that could influence whether such a project would ever be feasible within the township.
By adopting the ordinance before a proposal arrives, township officials said they believe they are putting the community in a stronger position to evaluate any future project on local terms.
Solar Farm Discussion Highlights Accountability Concerns
Later in the meeting, King updated the board on an issue involving the Macbeth Solar project that demonstrated a different challenge.
King said he was recently contacted by a representative from the State of Michigan regarding land enrolled in the PA 116 Farmland Preservation Program. The program provides tax benefits for qualifying farmland but requires periodic paperwork to maintain participation.
According to King, the required paperwork apparently had not been filed.
He said he attempted to contact the project representative he previously worked with but learned the company associated with the solar project had since been acquired by another investment group. As a result, township officials no longer know who is responsible for managing the project or responding to questions.
Board members also questioned whether commitments discussed during the original approval process, including pollinator plantings and ongoing site maintenance, have been completed.
Because the township did not have a solar ordinance when the project was approved, officials acknowledged they have fewer tools available to address concerns today.
The discussion ultimately became less about one missing filing and more about the broader challenge of maintaining accountability after ownership of large developments changes hands.
Park Maintenance and Soccer Field Issues Continue
Several maintenance concerns at the township park were also discussed.
Trustee Jake Seaver noted weeds growing through cracks in sidewalks and paved areas near the softball fields. Board members agreed to speak with maintenance staff about possible weed control options.
King also updated the board on ongoing problems at the soccer complex.
The restrooms remain closed after repeated vandalism and misuse, including toilets repeatedly being clogged with excessive toilet paper and damage to a sink. King said he has been communicating with White Lake Youth Sports Club leadership to clarify responsibilities for repairs and field use.
Officials also discussed outside groups using the soccer fields and whether all organizations are properly coordinating with the township and paying applicable fees.
The board indicated it will continue working with soccer representatives before reopening the facilities.
Board Looks Ahead to Roads, Parks, and Street Signs
Treasurer Tracy Korthase encouraged the board to continue discussing how available township funds should be invested rather than sitting unused.
That led to a broader conversation about future park improvements and road projects.
Trustee Jay Goodrich said he recently drove several township roads to identify areas most in need of attention. Board members discussed deteriorating pavement on several routes, particularly roads that experienced increased traffic during previous detours.
While no projects were selected, members agreed the township should begin identifying priorities for next year’s road improvements.
King also suggested exploring whether senior millage funds could be used to replace older street signs that are bent, faded, or difficult to read.
Clerk Drew Roesler agreed improved visibility could benefit older residents, and the board plans to determine whether the expense would qualify under the senior millage guidelines.
Goodrich also reported positive conversations with residents while installing new address signs, saying the updated signage has been well received.
Election, Fire, Ambulance Updates
Roesler reminded residents that the Aug. 4 primary election is approaching.
As of the meeting, the township had mailed 238 absentee ballots, although none had yet been returned. Residents may also vote during the early voting period.
Goodrich reported the Montague Fire District has begun exploring the purchase of a future fire truck, noting the department has an aging vehicle approaching 30 years of service and that early planning is important as costs continue to rise.
King reported the White Lake Ambulance Authority continues preparing for its August millage vote. He also said the authority’s recently purchased ambulance from Norton Shores is currently being painted and should arrive in the coming weeks before receiving White Lake Ambulance markings and entering service.
The Montague Township Board will hold its next regular meeting on August 11.
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