Referendum sought for wind law in Almer Twp.

The fate of a $200 million “wind farm” project in Almer Township moved one step closer to being decided by voters after paperwork calling for a referendum was filed Tuesday with the township clerk.

Norm Stephens, of Almer Township, filed the “notice of intent” calling for a referendum on changes to the community’s wind ordinance approved by the township board last week.

The move comes less than a week after the Almer Township board voted in changes to the community’s wind ordinance, after more than eight months of oftentimes contentious debate and discussion. The changes were published in Saturday’s edition of The Advertiser.

Citizens such as Stephens have been saying since last winter that the changes don’t go far enough to protect residents, instead claiming they favor wind developers. The Advertiser reported talk of a referendum – but only as a last resort – as far back as May. (Read more)

(This story originally appeared in the Sept. 7, 2016 print edition of The Tuscola County Advertiser and can be read in its entirety here.)