For Immediate Release-Zeeland Charter Township files legal challenge of PA 233
Today Zeeland Charter Township filed a complaint in the Ottawa County Circuit Court against Silver Maple PV, LLC, RWE Americas Services, LLC, and RWE Solar Development, LLC, challenging the constitutionality of Public Act 233 of 2023.
The lawsuit asks the Court, among other relief, to declare Public Act 233 unconstitutional under Article 7, Section 29 of the Michigan Constitution. The Township contends that Public Act 233 unconstitutionally preempts local control over the regulation of wind, solar, and energy storage facilities by infringing on certain rights that the Michigan Constitution reserves to local governments.
“For generations, Michigan has recognized that local governments are best equipped to make decisions about matters that directly affect their communities,” said Township Supervisor Kerri Bosma. “Public Act 233 departs from that constitutional tradition by transferring local decision-making authority to the state. Through this lawsuit, the Township seeks to uphold the constitutional principle of local control.”
Michigan has long embraced the principle of local control, recognizing that local governments—those closest to the people they serve—are best positioned to make decisions on matters of local concern. This principle is enshrined in the Michigan Constitution and reflects the longstanding understanding that decisions affecting a community should be made by the people and elected officials who know that community best. The Township believes Public Act 233 represents an unconstitutional departure from that tradition and seeks to reaffirm the constitutional protections afforded to local governments under Article 7, Section 29 of the Michigan Constitution.
Joshua M. Eggleston
Township Manager
Zeeland Charter Townshp
2025 Audit Report
The 2025 Audit Report has been finalized. A copy of the report can be found here.
Expanded Township Hall Hours
Township offices will now be open full days on Wednesdays beginning the week of May 18th in order to more fully promote accessibility and availability for our residents.
Office Hours are now:
Monday- Thursday 8:30 am- 5:00 pm
Friday- 8:30 am-12:00 pm
Closed- Saturday & Sunday
Meetings Now Livestreamed and available On-Demand
The Township has taken a significant step in promoting transparrency, accountability, and meeting accessibility and will now begin recording and livestreaming our public meetings (Board, Planning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals). These can be viewed on the Township's YouTube channel (link). For any questions please reference the Township's Live Streaming/Recording policy or contact the Township Manager at 616-772-6701. Please be patient as we work out any "bugs" with this new endeavor.
Silver Maple PV LLC (RWE Solar) Project: The Township has officially filed for Intervenor status in oppostion to the Silver Maple Solar Project. This application was submitted by RWE Solar a couple of weeks ago. Please see link for additional information regarding the contested case process. Public input can also be submitted on the MPSC website as well. Please continue to check the Township's website for additional information posted when it is available.
Below please find some additional helpful links regarding the Michigan Public Service Commission
Documents on Demand: As a way to further promote government transparency, Zeeland Charter Township has established an online portal for all important documents, including agendas, Minutes, Meeting Packets, Public Notices, Legislation, Forms, and more. The link for this can be found at the top of our webpage. Moving forward, all documents will be posted to this portal, and we will also transition all past documents to this portal. One of the major positive attributes of this program is that residents can register and receive email notifications when documents are posted to the portal. If anyone has any questions, feel free to contact Township Manager Josh Eggleston at [email protected] or at 616-772-6701 ext. 115.
Zeeland Charter Township has contracted with Professional Code Inspections of Michigan Inc. (PCI) for Zoning Administration, Building Code Administration & Enforcement. PCI's Jenison office is located at 1913 Baldwin St., Jenison. Operating hours are 8:00 am- 4:30 pm. They can be found online at pcimi.com. Office hours will also be held at the Zeeland Charter Township office 10:00 am -12:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays to answer any building code or zoning questions. Inspectors and Zoning Administrators are also available for phone calls during regular business hours and meetings by appointment outside of scheduled office hours.To schedule inspections or apply for building permits, call (616)667-8803. Building permit applications can be found here. Electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits are still being handled by the Township office.