At the Aug. 27 hearing, multiple residents raised safety concerns about MAP (modified atmosphere packaging) gas canisters and the applicant’s proposal to consolidate small cylinders into two larger fixed tanks at the 42 Jackson site.
Resident Lee Novak displayed photographs and asked whether the tanks and cages visible on-site were flammable. The applicant’s witness, Mr. Botcher, said the gases in use at the facility are carbon dioxide and nitrogen for reduced-oxygen packaging and stated that the gases “are not flammable.” He also said the proposal would replace numerous small cylinders with two larger tanks on a concrete pad surrounded by bollards and a chain-link fence.
Residents asked about emergency access, the risk if a tank were struck by a vehicle, and how the fire department would respond. The applicant said bollards and fencing would be installed to protect the tanks and that the fire official’s memo (dated July 25, 2025) raised questions that would be addressed by the engineer in later testimony. The applicant agreed to provide material safety data sheets (MSDS/SDS) for both the existing small cylinders on site and the proposed larger tanks.
Why it matters: residents worried that gas releases — even of inert gases such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide — could present hazards (reduced oxygen) and asked for technical documentation so the board, residents and the fire official can evaluate risk, setbacks and protective measures.
Follow-up: the board asked the applicant to supply SDS/MSDS for existing cylinders and proposed tanks, engineering specifications for tanks and a clear site plan showing the tanks’ locations, bollards, fencing and egress routes. The applicant also agreed to work with the fire official and civil engineer to address the fire official’s written comments.