Oshtemo Township - August 28, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The Commission considers the proposed installation of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the area. Residents express worries about potential environmental hazards and property devaluation. The board listens to public comments and discusses the implications of BESS projects. Additionally, the board reviews and approves a special use permit for Little Pistol Farms to operate as an agritourism site, which will offer activities like pumpkin picking and educational workshops. The board agrees to revisit the agritourism operations in two years to assess any necessary adjustments.

Chapters

Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:44)
The meeting began with a request for attendees to stand and join in the Pledge of Allegiance, which was recited by those present.

The meeting started with a call for attendees to stand and participate in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. The pledge was recited in unison, affirming commitment to the nation and its values.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:08)
The agenda was approved as presented after a motion was made, supported, and passed without opposition.

The chair called for any changes or additions to the agenda. A motion was made to accept the agenda as presented. The motion was supported and a vote was taken. All those in favor said 'aye', there were no opposed, and the motion passed.
Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items (00:01:29)
Residents raised concerns regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), highlighting safety, environmental, and property value risks.

Several residents of Oshtemo Township, including business owners and realtors, expressed concerns over the proposed Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the area. They cited risks such as fire hazards, toxic environmental impact, health issues, noise pollution, decreased property values, and potential for cyber-attacks. They also noted that BESS technology is still new and potentially dangerous, with issues of cleanup and legal liabilities in case of incidents.
Approval of Minutes (00:10:34)
Minutes from the previous meeting were approved following a motion and a supportive vote without opposition.

A motion was made to approve the minutes from the last meeting as submitted. The motion received support, and a vote was called. All were in favor, with no opposition, and the motion to approve the minutes passed.
Special Exception Use: Little Pistol Farms Agritourism (00:11:04)
Little Pistol Farms requested special use approval for an agritourism operation offering various products and activities.

Little Pistol Farms sought special use approval to establish an agritourism operation on their property. The proposed operation would include a variety of agricultural and related products, as well as activities like you-pick, hayrides, and educational workshops. The planning commission reviewed the proposal against the township's master plan and zoning ordinance, considering factors such as traffic, noise, and the site's rural character. A detailed site plan and narrative were provided by the applicants.
Discussion with Applicants: Little Pistol Farms (00:21:21)
The planning commission discussed details of the agritourism proposal with Little Pistol Farms' applicants, covering operations and community impact.

Representatives from Little Pistol Farms answered questions from the planning commission regarding their agritourism proposal. They discussed current and planned agricultural activities, educational components, and the nature of proposed entertainment. They addressed concerns about traffic and noise, confirming that operations would primarily occur on weekends. The applicants emphasized their commitment to compliance with township ordinances and community engagement.
Discussion on Scheduling and Approval of Events (00:33:25)
Discussion on how to manage scheduling and approval for events, especially agritourism, considering the unpredictable nature of agriculture.

The meeting discussed the challenges in scheduling and approving events, particularly in agritourism. Due to the unpredictable nature of crops, flexibility is needed in the approval process. The ordinance requires a list of events but does not require dates, allowing for flexibility. The planning commission can work with applicants to arrange event schedules. Conditions of approval could allow the planning department to manage these schedules administratively.
Public Comments and Questions (00:38:22)
Public comments were invited, with questions about property use, potential expansion, and event management.

During the public comment period, questions were raised about the use of the north end of the property, the plans for a corn maze, and concerns about public access to neighboring properties. The applicants clarified the use of the property, the location of the U-pick area, and the management of visitors. The planning commission explained that any future expansion would require further approval.
Approval of Special Use Permit with Conditions (00:48:08)
The special use permit was approved with conditions, allowing for the establishment of agritourism activities.

The commission approved the special use permit with conditions discussed during the meeting, such as working with the planning department on scheduling and setting a two-year review period. The motion to approve with conditions was supported and passed unanimously.
Public Appreciation and Closing Remarks (00:48:51)
Commissioners expressed appreciation for the proposal, highlighting its importance to local agriculture and community engagement.

Commissioners thanked the applicants for their proposal, emphasizing the value of drawing attention to local agriculture in a rapidly changing township. They appreciated the opportunity for the public to engage with the agricultural heritage of the area through agritourism activities.