Brooklyn residents continue battle against lithium-ion battery energy storage systems
Tensions are sparking in southern Brooklyn as residents learn of lithium-ion battery energy storage systems moving into vacant storefronts and lots along industrial corridors, many just steps from residential homes.
Opponents point to a massive lithium-ion battery fire at a facility in California in January that smoldered for days and led to the evacuation of hundreds of residents as an example of what they fear.
News reports say the blaze released toxic gases and scattered heavy metals over the area, leading homeowners to file a lawsuit against multiple energy companies.
The facilities coming to New York City are different – they're mostly outdoors, much smaller and need to meet strict regulations – but that's not much consolation for many residents.
Brooklyn residents concerned about lithium-ion battery fires
A new facility of 6 Tesla Megapacks is powering up at 2481 McDonald Ave., where an old auto body shop once stood. The site is being developed by a company called Soltage to store electricity in batteries for later use. The goal is to reinforce the power grid during surge times.
Janet Guerra, who lives near the site, says she is angered.
"Our insurance companies are going to be dropping our homeowner policies as soon as they're aware that these facilities are coming to Gravesend," she said.
Theresa Scavo from Community Board 15 recently found out through word of mouth.
Immediately, concerns of battery fires, constant noise and dropping property values sprang up.
"It's something called thermal runaway. If there is even a spark, it starts a chain reaction. The chain reaction could end up with gas fumes through our community," she told CBS News New York reporter Hannah Kliger.
Assemblymember Michael Novakhov also learned of the plan while speaking to Kliger, calling it a red flag.
"Everything is done very, very quietly without the community knowing about it. And that brings more concerns. Why is it done so quietly? What's wrong with that? Why not share this with the public?" he said.
Vacant City Council seat causes concern in community
That stretch along McDonald Avenue near Avenue W is within the 44th City Council District. That City Council seat has been vacant since the start of the year, after Councilman Kalman Yager won his State Assembly race.
Activists say that's been one of the challenges because even though City Council members do not directly approve facilities, they do often play an important role in informing the community and advocating for their concerns.
That's why Councilwoman Inna Vernikov got involved, even though she represents a neighboring district.
"Who is to say that tomorrow they're not going to try to do this in my district?" she said. "I think if people knew what they're trying to do here, there would be a protest of thousands of people."
"It might very well make our own properties unsellable"
Last month, CBS News New York reported on two similar facilities coming to Flatbush Avenue in Marine Park, developed by a different company called NineDot. It's a plan neighbors there oppose for the same reasons.
"In the end, it might very well make our own properties behind us unsellable," said Claudia Greco, a homeowner whose property would be steps away from one of the NineDot locations.
Soltage says the system is designed with rigorous safety standards developed by the FDNY.
Construction will begin in the coming months and it should be operational by mid 2026.
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