Approximately 30 people were in attendance at the Sylvan Township Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, May 22 to hear a presentation about a proposed eco farm planned for the township.
Chelsea EcoFarm would be located on a 129-acre site on the southeast corner of M-52 and Werkner Road, partly behind Vogel’s Party Store.
The planning commission unanimously approved the preliminary site plan, but since this is such an unusual project, discussion is upcoming on how exactly the land might be zoned.
Planning Commission Chairman Bob Polens described this as a “unique proposal,” that’s slated to be both a working and educational organic farm. The project would include a main barn, livestock barns, greenhouses, cabins, orchards, community gardens, and a fenced pasture.
The main barn would have a full kitchen, offices, and classrooms. There would be retail sales of products produced on the farm, as well as products from other local producers.
The Chelsea EcoFarm would be an educational destination for students, families, and others interested in learning more about organic farming techniques and sustainable living.
According to Nick Bacon, a Chelsea EcoFarm representative, “It’s an all-organic farm. It’s a completely public teaching, learning, educational place. We’re going to offer internships, field trips, class tours, and family events.”
Bacon went on to say “Everything is sustainably designed,” from rainwater capture to solar power, as well as the use of composting and incinerating toilets. Aquaponics is also planned for raising fish, so this would be a four-season farm, according to Bacon.
There would also be a community garden, for people in the area who don’t have the room to grow food at home. An apiary is also planned for the project to provide pollination.
If all goes according to schedule and the final site is approved, Bacon said, it is possible that the fencing and livestock barns be erected this fall, and the main building next spring.
