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PROJECT OVERVIEW: SYLVAN SOLAR

The Sylvan Solar Project is a proposed 220-megawatt (MW) industrial-scale solar energy facility spanning approximately 2,200 acres of land in southern Newaygo County. Developed by Sylvan Solar, LLC (a subsidiary of the AES Corporation which is currently being acquired by a BlackRock-led consortium), the project has met significant local opposition due to its scale and the proposed conversion of high-quality agricultural land into an industrial zone. 

PROJECT HISTORY

MAY – JUNE 2025: THE ROLLOUT

• Project Introduction: AES Corporation/BlackRock (via Sylvan Solar, LLC) introduces plans for a 220-megawatt solar facility.  Although, some of the residents discovered the project at this time, it had been secretly in the works for a minimum of two years prior.  The proposal covers approximately 2,200 acres of land across Garfield and Sheridan Charter Townships.

• Local Presence: AES/BlackRock opens a project office in Newaygo and hires one local representative to give the appearance of being a good neighbor.  

AUGUST 19, 2025: GARFIELD FILING

• Application Submitted: AES/BlackRock formally submits a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to Garfield Township.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2025: SHERIDAN FILING

• Application Submitted: AES/BlackRock submits a Special Land Use Permit application to the Fremont Community Joint Planning Commission (the body that handles zoning for Sheridan Charter Township).

OCTOBER 2025: SHERIDAN APPROVAL

• Permit Granted: The Fremont Community Joint Planning Commission approves the permit for the Sheridan portion of the project.

NOVEMBER 23, 2025: GARFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING POSTPONED 

• Due to overwhelming attendance from local residents, the scheduled Public Hearing was cancelled and postponed in Garfield Township.  The township hall was unable to safely accommodate the hundreds of neighbors who showed up to voice their concerns. This event proved the massive scale of community opposition to the Sylvan Solar project. 

JANUARY 29,2026: GARFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING AND DENIAL 

• Community Opposition: A massive public hearing is held at Newaygo High School. Hundreds of residents attend to voice concerns over drainage, property values, and the permanent loss of agricultural land.  The Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of the project.

FEBRUARY 10, 2026: GARFIELD DENIAL

• Permit Denied:  Following the recommendation of the Planning Commission and overwhelming public testimony, the Garfield Township Board officially votes NO, denying the AES/BlackRock permit.

MARCH 12, 2026:  AES/BLACKROCK APPEAL 

• Local Appeal: AES/BlackRock appeals  the Garfield Township Board's denial to the Garfield Township Zoning Board of Appeals. 

APRIL 2026:  DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, GREAT LAKES, AND ENERGY 

• April 28, 2026, The developer submitted a Pre-Application Request (Form 301/303) to EGLE (Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy)  asking EGLE to identify protected wetland or inland streams.  Numerous major adjustments are required by EGLE and MISO.  

MAY 2026 : THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS AND OPEN HOUSES

• May 7, 2026, The Garfield Zoning Board of Appeals tables their decision after another full house of resident objection and testimony.  

• Public Meetings:  AES/BlackRock has given a notice of intent to both townships to file with the MPSC to override our local zoning through PA 233.   Open houses (mandatory meeting required by PA233) concluded on May 19th, 2026 for Garfield Township and May 20th, 2026 for Sheridan Charter Township. 

JULY 2026: THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS AND ANOTHER OPEN HOUSE   

• July 8th, 2026, The Garfield Zoning Board of Appeals defies the general standards of the ordinance and overturns the Garfield Township Board's decision despite clear evidence from residents regarding missing studies of mandatory project changes from EGLE and MISO.  

• July 22, 2026, another open house put on by AES/BlackRock.  These open houses consist of a few poster boards strategically placed around a room with representatives ready to give their 'sales pitches'.  

AUGUST 7, 2026:  DEADLINE FOR APPEAL OF THE ZBA DECISION IN NEWAYGO COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT 

• Residents are on a path to appeal in circuit court currently.  The developer has not officially filed with the MPSC under PA233, this will be a continued threat as the appeal process progresses.  In the meanwhile, residents are also demanding changes to the Garfield Township ordinance to protect against industrialization/expansions and to give control to our elected Township Board (not the appointed ZBA).  Information regarding PA233 and it's process is highlighted below.