This page is dedicated to keep the public and media informed as to where the Wexford Joint Planning Commission is in the process with the Shipyard Solar Project in Wexford Township, Wexford County.  The below list is a chronological record: (page created 05/27/2026)

  • Late winter | early spring (2026) - Ranger Power met with WJPC staff to inquire about a large-scale solar project primarily located in Wexford Township.
  • WJPC staff informed Ranger Power that the use as described was not listed as either a permitted or special use in the area proposed, and was therefor not permitted.  Ranger Power was informed that they could abandon the project, appeal my decision, or petition to amend the zoning ordinance to allow such a use.
  • As Ranger Power was preparing to submit an application to amend the zoning ordinance, they requested to be placed on the WJPC agenda at the March 2026 meeting so that they could informally introduce their proposed project.    RANGER POWER HANDOUT
    • There was NOT a quorum at the March 2026 meeting - no business (deliberations or decision making) was conducted.  Ranger Power was allowed to present the proposed project to WJPC members present as an informational presentation only.
  • April 22, 2026 - Ranger Power | Shipyard Solar submitted payment and application petitioning to amend the zoning ordinance to allow Sector [22] (NAICS) as a use in the Ag-Forest Production zoning district.  This application to amend the zoning ordinance was placed on the May 18, 2026 agenda of the WJPC.
  • May 18, 2026 - The WJPC was unable to establish a quorum to do business.  As a courtesy to the public, WJPC staff, the WJPC planner, and a representative from Ranger Power explained where we were in the application process and answered questions as we were able.  Staff announced at this informational session that a webpage would be designed to assist in keeping the public informed and a new location for the meeting would be sought to accommodate expected increased attendance.
  • May 27, 2026 - Confirmed NEW meeting location for June 22, 2026 WJPC meeting at: The Tabernacle Church | 315 E. Wexford Ave. | Buckley, Michigan 49620 at 6:30 pm.
  • June 8, 2026 - PUBLIC NOTICE of 'alternate' meeting location for June 22, 2026 regular meeting of the Wexford Joint Planning Commission was published in the Cadillac News.
  • June 17, 2026 - HOW to PARTICIPATE in the ZONING PROCESS (posted for public information purposes)
  • June 22, 2026 - WJPC held the regular meeting where an application to amend the zoning ordinance was introduced - voted to schedule a public hearing for the July 27th meeting.
  • July 10, 2026 (17 days prior to public hearing) Copy of NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING (published in the Cadillac News)
  • ​July 15, 2026 - Published meeting materials on WJPC website for July 27, 2026 meeting
  • July 27, 2026 - The Wexford Joint Planning Commission, at their regularly scheduled meeting, recommended to the participating Townships that the amendment requesting to add NAICS Sector 22 to the Ag-Forest Production zoning district be denied - 'DRAFT MINUTES'