In Westerleigh, at a critical location at 1963 Victory Boulevard, a new threat looms over our community: the proposed construction of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility. This proposed development site is perilously and immediately adjacent to our homes and commercial businesses and sits directly above water that runs constantly through our entire neighborhood. This waterway frequently overflows with rainwater, raising alarm for both safety and environmental concerns.

Hazardous facilities like BESS should not be situated in residential and commercial areas where families live, work, and play. The emissions, potential chemical leaks, and the risk of fire pose significant threats to our health, our local environment, and the structural integrity of our neighborhood. Residing in proximity to such a facility increases the exposure risk to toxic substances and potentially hazardous situations.

Our community's well-being is at stake. Numerous studies and reports highlight the dangers associated with BESS facilities. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), incidents linked to these systems have resulted in significant property damage and environmental concerns. In July 2019, an energy storage system caught fire in Arizona, leading to significant air pollution and hazardous conditions.

Furthermore, the environmental impact of such a facility has not been adequately reviewed in preparation of the enabling legislation and is one of the important points included in the ongoing lawsuit against the "City of Yes" land use changes. Though the Department of City Planning has stated that an environmental impact study is required for each proposed site development, this has become untrue.  The size of the 1963 Victory Boulevard site does not qualify it for environmental review by state or city agencies.   Locating a BESS facility on this site would create a risky and unsafe situation for this site, adjacent homes, businesses and the entire neighborhood of Westerleigh and beyond.    Staten Island's unique geography and its propensity for flooding exacerbate the potential for disaster.  Residents know all too well that high intensity rainstorms overflow and flood the site and others along the entire length of the water course.   The frequency of flooding increases each year, and adding a facility that could potentially leak chemicals to properties throughout Westerleigh will recklessly endanger the community's health and safety.

Instead of risking our well-being for unproven energy storage solutions, we urge the government regulatory bodies to conduct a thorough environmental and safety review and seek alternative solutions for energy conservation that do not jeopardize community safety.

We call upon the residents of Westerleigh and Staten Island and all concerned citizens to join us in opposing the construction of the BESS facility at 1963 Victory Boulevard. Your support is essential in safeguarding our community and preserving the health and safety of future generations.

Sign this petition to voice your opposition and protect our neighborhood from potentially hazardous development.