Southfield limits oil drilling to industrial areas

SOUTHFIELD (AP) - A Detroit suburb has approved an ordinance that would allow oil and gas wells only as a special use in industrial areas.

The Southfield City Council adopted the zoning change Monday in response to a company's plan to explore drilling on land owned by a church. Mayor Ken Siver says oil and gas wells "have no place" in Southfield neighborhoods.

Separately, the city is suing Jordan Development, which was granted a state permit to drill at Word of Faith International Christian Center. A judge recently signed a temporary order that prevents any drilling work.

The church says any money that comes from the project would be used for good works.

Published: Thu, Apr 28, 2016