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March 16, 2006Power plans spark foesSome oppose idea of plant on West BayTRAVERSE CITY - Members of a newly formed citizens' group want Traverse City Light and Power to know that the bayfront is no place for a new power plant.Dan Scripps, an environmental attorney from Northport, organized the group - dubbed Don't Plant It Here - after hearing about the utility's idea for a possible wood-burning plant on land it owns in Leelanau County's Elmwood Township. He said the group emerged after he talked to other residents who shared his concerns. "I think all of us agree that clean energy is the way of the future, he said. "But there are more appropriate areas that don't serve as such a visible welcome mat." Light and Power is pursuing a renewable energy plan that could include a wood-burning plant. Utility officials haven't submitted formal plans but have met with Elmwood Township representatives to talk about the possibility of locating such a plant on property Light and Power owns near M-22 just north of Traverse City. The utility owns about two acres on the east side of M-22 in Greilickville, including the old coal dock and area between the highway and Grand Traverse Bay. It also owns four acres on the west side of M-22, where coal for the former bayside power plant was stored. The citizens' group recently started an electronic petition on its Web site that has so far gathered more than 50 signatures. It also is encouraging people to voice concerns to public officials. Scripps, who is also running against 101st District state Rep. David Palsrok, R-Manistee, said the proposed power plant is not a partisan issue and affects the entire region. "I don't think this is a 'not in my backyard' issue," he said. "We need to ask if this is going to make sense 25 years from now." The group's Web site is www.dontplantithere.org.
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