Lithium-ion battery energy storage facility sparking concerns
The facility is expected to be built at 2481 McDonald Ave. at a shuttered auto body shop and is located directly behind a densely populated residential neighborhood.
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A lithium-ion battery energy storage facility is slated to be built in Gravesend, sparking concerns among local businesses and residents.
The facility is expected to be built at 2481 McDonald Ave. at a shuttered auto body shop and is located directly behind a densely populated residential neighborhood.
"It's the first time I heard about that, I never hear about that, and I am really concerned about what is happening," said Israel Dana, a realtor who works across the street.
Residents said they had no idea the facility was being built and worry about what their fire risk will be living so close to lithium-ion batteries that have a history of catching fire.
"Those things go on fire, it takes a week to put to go out," said Joseph Ross, of Gravesend. "Why would anyone wanna put them there?"
Renewable Energy Provider Soltage is set to build, operate and maintain the facility that will have six Tesla megapack systems that can store up to five megawatts of energy.
A company spokesperson said they'll use the strictest safety guidelines and are also working to engage the community.
Councilmember Inna Vernakov has spoken out against the facility.
She represents the neighboring council district.
"It's a terrible idea, it's a terrible proposal," she said. "It could create a fire that could ignite the whole neighborhood."
As News 12 reported last month, a similar project in Marine Park has draw strong community backlash.
While these facilities are not popular among residents we spoke with, Kyle Rabin, with the Alliance for Clean Energy New York said the New York City power grid is need of facilities like these to meet growing demand for energy.
He said while there are concerns about lithium ion batteries, it is safe technology.
"New York state has some of the strictest safety standards in the nation and is in the process of implementing even stronger safety standards," he said.
A representative from Soltage is expected to answer questions and concerns at the next Community Board 15 meeting scheduled for April 29 at 7p.m. at Kingsborough Community College, located at 2001 Oriental Blvd., Room U112 Faculty Dining Room in Brooklyn.
