Oshtemo Township recall effort delayed, debate over battery storage continues

Описание: A recall effort targeting five Oshtemo Township Board members is being delayed until later this year, as organizers explained to News Channel 3 they want to avoid the cost of a special election and give township leadership time to respond to resident concerns.

This effort comes after months of controversy surrounding a proposed battery energy storage system, or BESS project, near residential and agricultural land in the township.

The five officials named in the recall petitions are Supervisor Cheri Bell, Clerk Dusty Farmer, and trustees Zak Ford, Neil Ciccora, and Kristin Cole.

Petition organizer Katie Schneider, a farmer in Oshtemo Township, said their efforts led to enough signatures, but after much consideration she and others agreed it would be best to wait.

For one, she said, the recall pressure seems to have already shifted how board members are speaking about the prospect of a BESS in Oshtemo Township, and how concerns are handled during meetings.

"We're going to watch the board. We're already seeing a lot change on the board," said Schneider. "We've seen some board members that didn't speak up before, and they're really starting to speak up."

During a township board meeting Tuesday night, trustee Cole raised alarms about the safety of large-scale battery facilities and the need for extensive research.


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