(MENDON TOWNSHIP) – Mendon Township residents will be casting votes Tuesday either for or against the construction of a solar farm.

Proposal 1 is asking for the Mendon Township Zoning Ordinance to be amended to permit the construction of both small and large solar energy systems in the Township. If approved, the proposal would also establish the restrictions, requirements and guidelines for the construction of such systems within the Township. That would be including, but not limited to, the requirement to obtain a special use permit from the Mendon Township Planning Commission before constructing a large solar energy system anywhere in the Township.

Geronimo Energy approached Mendon Township with plans for the White Pine Solar Project in 2017. It is a 20 megawatt solar farm that would span approximately 200 acres near Prairie Corners and Bucknell Roads in Mendon Township.

Those who favor the solar farm says the United States needs to look at other sources of energy, instead of relying on fossil fuels. Opponents say the solar farm would take away prime agriculture land from area farmers.

Polls will be open today until 8 PM.