The Place Where Ludington Talks

Mason County: Zoning Law Strict on Individuals, Flexible on Wind Turbines

The community of Mason County was first formally introduced to Aldon Maleckas when he ran for County Commissioner District 7 in 2012. He had the misfortune against running against another scrappy opponent who had much the same views, and against long-term incumbent Tom Posma. In such a battle, he finished second to the politically-savvy Posma. His views were refreshing, and founded on logical principles.

He then went on and offered his analysis of the science and statistics behind the justifications of the wind farm, and had it published in the opinion forum of the City of Ludington Daily News (COLDNews).

He has came out with another pearl of wisdom in his latest offering on the compromises and the exemptions added onto the written policies of the county zoning ordinances in order for Consumers Energy to have the Lake Winds Energy Farm placed here. This was found on the opinion page in the COLDNews 3-10-2014 paper.

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Permalink Reply by Willy on March 11, 2014 at 6:16pm

A well written letter from Mr. Maleckas.

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Permalink Reply by XLFD on April 1, 2014 at 3:53pm

Does anyone know anything about this particular problem regarding mud bogs on S. Gordon Road? It is being given 20 minutes tonight before the County Planning Commission, before they discuss more about the noise issues of the wind turbines. It sounds like someone is having a successful mud bog operation, in an area where the PC has not given their approval for such regular operations. At first glance, I would say unless they're really inconveniencing the neighbors why can't they continue operations as is?

According to Mary Reilly, county zoning and building administrator, her office received complaints last year about recurring, monthly mud bogs at the location which is an area zoned agriculture. She said the one-time, benefit mud bogs that crop up around the county are not a problem, but the mud bog in question because it was taking place monthly, raises zoning issues.

“It’s not allowed in ag district,” she said. Zoning only allows such mud bogs in forestry districts which tend to be in the northeast portion of the county abutting national forest land.

“I asked them to scale back their operations,” Reilly said, adding, “ if they don’t it would be a violation of the ordinance.”

Tuesday night she described as discussion only. but said the options available are for the mud bogs at the South Gordon Road site be scaled back or a zoning variance be sought and obtained.

“It’s something people do here in the county. We just have to figure out a way to go about it that meets the zoning ordinance.

She said the issue in this particular one “is the scale, the number of times, and the marketing. It has become the place to go.”