Residents in Middle Village, Queens, are outraged by the plans to build a lithium-ion battery energy storage facility across from a elementary school and residential area. On April 2nd, local councilman Robert Holden, along with residents, gathered outside the proposed site of the facility to demand the government revoke the location selection.
The lithium battery energy storage facility is intended for community energy storage, grid stabilization, and power supply. Located at 64-30 69th Place, this area is densely populated with residential buildings, across from Public School 128, and surrounded by amenities such as an animal hospital, daycare centers, and children’s playgrounds.
Councilman Holden’s office came across this project while reviewing related documents, and it is named as the “MWE Energy Storage System.”
During the protest, Holden expressed concerns that this lithium battery facility could pose a danger to the entire community. In case of a fire, the gases and substances released could be toxic. He pointed out that the lithium battery of a single electric bicycle can cause a large fire, not to mention the facility housing thousands of bicycle lithium batteries. This is a highly dangerous facility, he emphasized.
Republican mayoral candidate for New York City, Curtis Sliwa, criticized former governor and current NYC mayoral candidate Cuomo for closing the Indian Point nuclear power plant in 2021, which led to power shortages and soaring electricity prices, necessitating the search for alternative energy sources. Moreover, the public relations firm hired by the facility, Mercury, has ties to Cuomo.
Phil Wong, the Budget and Constituent Liaison for Councilman Holden’s office and candidate for District 30 councilman, pointed out that the “Yes in My Backyard” (YIMBY) rezoning plan passed by the city council has eased restrictions for such hazardous facilities to enter residential areas. He has filed a lawsuit against the city government to halt the “YIMBY” plan.
A resident highlighted the immediate threat of the lithium-ion battery warehouse, as well as concerns regarding fire safety and evacuation plans, noting that local firefighters lack training to handle such fires.
Recently, residents in the Marine Park community of Brooklyn also protested against the lithium battery energy storage system being built in residential areas, fearing the risks of fires and leaks of toxic chemicals it may bring.
Councilman Jamie Williams of Brooklyn has introduced legislation to prevent the establishment of facilities emitting toxic substances, like cobalt, within 1,000 feet of residential areas.
It is reported that Holden’s office is actively exploring all possible measures to block the project, including challenging it through zoning regulations and fire safety reviews.