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Residents Push Back as Tesla Seeks 16 Fast Chargers at Acme Shopping Plaza
Summary
Tesla seeks a special‑use/site‑plan permit to install 16 Level‑3 fast chargers at the Acme plaza on McLean Avenue; the company told the board the stalls are intended for 20–30 minute top‑ups and would operate 24/7, while neighbors warned of overnight loitering, queuing and policing burdens and urged limits on hours or relocation.
Representatives for Tesla told the Yonkers Planning Board on Oct. 8 that they seek site‑plan and special‑use approval to install 16 Level‑3 fast chargers at the Acme shopping center (660–734 McLean Ave). Aileen Brennan (Prime Tuvel & Miceli) introduced the application; Tesla project staff said the chargers are fast‑charging stalls that typically take 20–30 minutes to add range and that the system will accept non‑Tesla EVs via built‑in adapters and the Tesla app.
"We're proposing 16 charging stalls...fast charging meaning on the order of 20 to 30 minutes on average," Tesla's project manager said during the presentation. The applicant said the equipment produces about 35 decibels of fan noise, the stalls are intended to operate 24/7, and the Tesla network will, in some cases, route drivers to less congested stations.
Board members and nearby residents raised concerns about locating 24‑hour Level‑3 chargers next to single‑ and two‑family homes. Several speakers who live near the plaza cited observed overnight queuing and loitering at other charging locations and restaurants, and said extended operation could draw taxi, rideshare and casino‑related traffic. "Drivers gather around the chargers all night," one resident said, citing problems observed at a nearby plaza. Public commenters asked the board to limit hours, require screening, or consider placing chargers at larger, more controlled properties (for example, casino land) instead.
Tesla and its engineers said they will submit a traffic and parking utilization study by Oct. 22 for the November hearing and that they can explore screening and security options with the landlord. The applicant also said angled parking is not compatible with the charger design and that they prefer to maintain perpendicular parking and widen drive aisles where feasible.
No vote was taken on Oct. 8; the board signaled that it expects a parking/traffic study and additional operational commitments before making a decision. Opponents requested that the board either deny 24/7 operation or require limits that reduce overnight impacts.
