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Residents press town on battery storage safety; councilmembers say work continues
Summary
Several residents and service providers urged the town to restrict or pause siting of battery energy storage systems (BESS) near homes, schools and vulnerable residential facilities; council members said the town is continuing technical review and discussions and noted legal and technical distinctions that affect local controls.
Multiple speakers at the Town of Brookhaven public comment period raised safety, health and siting concerns about proposed battery energy storage systems (BESS) in eastern Brookhaven, including the planned East Setauket and Setauket sites. Comments urged the town to follow Hempstead and impose a moratorium, requested stronger setbacks, and asked for clearer evacuation and shelter‑in‑place plans for nearby schools and vulnerable residents.
Speakers included representatives of local nonprofits and care providers who said a proposed BESS site near Parsonage Road, East Setauket, would place people with developmental disabilities at heightened risk during a fire or toxic smoke event and could cause harm to those with sensory sensitivities. A representative from Free Family Residences said nine residents and…
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