County panel against so-called 'radio farm' plan

Milford Township officials are still investigating whether they will permit seven 199-foot radio broadcast towers to be built on the border of Wixom and Milford Township, after recently receiving a recommendation from a key commission.

Township Supervisor Don Green said that the township found out on Tuesday, Dec. 4 that the Oakland County Coordinating Zoning Committee recommended against the construction of the so-called “radio farm.”

Because the towers would be erected on the border of Milford Township and the city of Wixom, the proposal was required by state law to go before the county committee.

This ruling comes after the Milford Township Planning Commission at its Oct. 25 meeting approved by a 5-4 margin to recommend a wireless overlay zone and special use permit for the towers to be built.

Green said he wasn’t sure if a vote on the towers will come before the township board at its next meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 19.

Sima Birach, the owner of Southfield-based Birach Broadcasting Corporation, has asked for a rezoning, special use and site plan approval for the towers — proposed to be located off Maple Road, just west of the Wixom Department of Public Works facility on Charms Road — after he purchased two parcels totaling more than 61 acres so he could relocate the towers from Fenton to Milford Township.

The towers would be visible to residents along the roadway and those in Wixom’s Wexford Mews subdivision, in addition to residents in Milford Township.

Several Wixom residents, as well as members of the Wixom City Council, have expressed concerns about the proposed project, including potential effects on health, communication interference, property values, and the aesthetic appearance of the antennas.

On Nov. 6, Earl and Nancie Stoddard of Wixom and Laura Patterson sent a letter expressing their concerns about the proposed farm, including the impact on nature preserves and wetlands, the possible effects of radio waves and related radiation on their neighbors, and interference with household electronic devices.

Green said that he hadn’t had a chance to look at the letter, but added that he has reactions to all concerns.

“I’ve had phone conversations with people about the same issues. I have to investigate and see if they are justified,” Green said.