RICHLAND, Mich. — In February 2025, Consumers Energy announced plans for construction of a solar park in Richland Township.

Called “Liberty Farms Solar,” the project would span 1,200 acres and expects to bring 220 megawatts of renewable energy, which would power over 50,000 homes.

The project is in the application process, as township officials are going through a public hearing process, spanning multiple planning commission meetings.

Township Supervisor Bear Priest told News Channel 3 time has been exhausted in the last two meetings due to so many public comments, many in opposition of the project.

They’ll hold a third meeting on May 27 at Gull Lake Middle School at 6:30 P.M.

Priest said it’s important for the township board to hear all points of view about the project.

“Those seven members who live here, work here in our community,” he said. “They need to hear from our residents.”

Among residents who have spoken out against the project, Richard Jamieson said he lives about 170 yards from where the solar panels would be built.

He said he doesn’t want to see the project materialize near where he lives, because the panels would take up fertile farm land and destroy the soil.

“There’s nothing good about it at all,” said Jamieson. “It’s gonna kill the value of property around here. This is rich land. It’s been Richland because it is. Who wants to look at that stuff anyway?”

Priest hopes public comment will wrap up at the next meeting, so the planning commission can begin reviewing the application from Consumers Energy.

“I would anticipate that it’ll take a few meetings after the public hearing is over before the planning commission is ready to make a decision on the application,” said Priest.

Consumers Energy shared a statement to News Channel 3 on where things stand.

The statement reads:

Consumers Energy is working through the permitting process with Richland Township and other partners and remains committed to ensuring the proposed Liberty Solar project aligns with all local and state requirements. As part of this process, we are supporting community events and working collaboratively with local officials, stakeholders, and residents to share information, answer questions, and gather input. The project is part of Consumers Energy’s broader plan to meet Michigan’s energy needs now and into the future through an all-of-the-above approach that delivers affordable, secure, and reliable power every hour of every day. Supporting Michigan’s long-term energy reliability remains a cornerstone of helping communities and the state continue to thrive.

For more on the meeting set to take place on May 27, you can visit Richland Township’s website.