🏛️ Town Board

Battery Storage Proposal Sparks Fire Safety Concerns at Town Board Meeting

2026-02-02 · 3064 words

Key Actions & Decisions

◆ Public hearings opened for Nexamp BESS projects on Wetzel Rd and Longbranch Rd (Case #1243, #1244).
◆ Public hearings opened for Summit Federal Credit Union zone change and special permits (Case #1240, #1241, #1242).
◆ Multiple public hearings adjourned to March 2, 2026, to allow for Planning Board review.
◆ Residents voiced strong opposition to battery storage sites citing fire risks and volunteer firefighter strain.
◆ Board directed Nexamp to provide a decommissioning plan for the battery sites.

The Town Board opened public hearings for two proposed battery energy storage systems (BESS) on Wetzel and Longbranch roads, while a proposal for a new Summit Federal Credit Union on Taft Road was met with fewer questions. Residents and fire officials raised significant concerns regarding emergency response times for the battery projects.