Stop Sylvan Solar

The Garfield Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting on May 7th resulted in the decision being TABLED. The ZBA is currently reviewing the extensive technical evidence provided by the community to ensure a legally sound final decision.

What You Can Do Now:

· Keep Emailing: The ZBA is still accepting public comments. Please continue to send emails to garfieldtownship@gmail.com urging them to uphold the denial based on Section 18.4 (General Standards).

· Use the New Template: An updated email template focusing on technical flaws (drainage, glare, and noise) is now available on the "What You Can Do" page.

· Stay Tuned: We will update this notice as soon as the date for the next ZBA meeting is officially scheduled.

Stop Sylvan Solar was formed to preserve the heritage and landscape of Garfield and Sheridan Charter Townships. Our mission is to protect our productive farmlands, local wildlife habitats, and the unique rural character from industrial-scale development. We believe in responsible land use that respects our Master Plans and secures a sustainable, agricultural future for the next generation of Michigan farmers.

Garfield Township Citizens

Project Status:

The Sylvan Solar project is an industrial-scale development proposed by the AES Corporation (currently being acquired by a BlackRock-led consortium) for south-central Newaygo County. The plan involves installing roughly 1,500 acres of solar arrays across both Garfield and Sheridan Charter Townships, taking a total of almost 2,400 acres of prime agriculturally zoned land out of food production.

As of early 2026, the project status is split:

Sheridan Charter Township: The Fremont Community Joint Planning Commission approved the Special Land Use Permit for the Sheridan portion of the project in October 2025.
Garfield Township: Following strong public opposition and a clear commitment to our local Master Plan, the Garfield Township Board voted NO on the permit in early February 2026. Sylvan Solar is now appealing that decision to the ZBA. Sylvan Solar has also given Garfield Township and Sheridan Charter Township Notice of Intent to file with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). June 19th, 2026 is the earliest this filing can take place.

Our Goal: Standing Against a State Override

While we celebrate the victory in Garfield, the fight is far from over. If the Garfield ZBA upholds the denial, under Michigan’s Public Act 233, developers now have a pathway to bypass local democracy. The entire project will go to the state to override local control.

Our goal is to ensure that "Local Control" is more than just a phrase. We are working to:

Preserve Our Heritage: We believe that utility-scale energy projects do not belong on productive agricultural land, and we are committed to protecting the rural character of Garfield and Sheridan Townships for future generations.
Protect Non-Participating Landowners: We are dedicated to defending the rights of neighbors who have not signed leases with the developer. This includes fighting to prevent:
1. Loss of Property Value: Ensuring that the homes we’ve invested in aren't devalued by proximity to industrial equipment.
2. Noise Pollution: Addressing the constant hum of inverters and the noise of construction and maintenance.
3. Glare and Visual Blight: Protecting our views and safety from the "glint and glare" of thousands of panels.
4. Environmental Impact: Monitoring potential soil contamination and runoff issues that could affect neighboring wells and wildlife.
5. Safety & Infrastructure: Ensuring our local roads aren't destroyed by heavy machinery and that our first responders are equipped for specialized industrial fires.

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