Residents press council over lithium-ion battery storage; borough to consult attorney in executive session

Residents at a Beach Haven Borough meeting urged the council to take action after a battery energy storage container was installed on a residential block, saying Atlantic City Electric and the company responsible have not adequately disclosed safety information or coordinated emergency response planning.

Jim Chula, a resident of 422 Second Street, told the council he and other neighbors believe the installed container contains lithium-ion batteries and that officials have not been "upfront" about the risks. Chula cited recent incidents elsewhere and asked the council to consider stronger protections, including possible moratoria or other municipal steps. "We feel that Atlantic City Electric has not been upfront," he said during public comment.

Other residents echoed those concerns and asked the council to demand more public disclosure, training and fire-department preparedness. Council members said they have been pursuing the matter with the borough attorney and planned to discuss legal strategy and confidential details in an executive session later in the meeting.

Council members noted limits on municipal authority where state or utility approvals are involved, but said public safety is the primary concern and the borough will consult counsel before taking further public action. The council did not take a public vote on the battery matter during the meeting.

Next steps: Borough officials said they will meet with the attorney and follow up with public updates as permitted by counsel. The council moved into executive session to consider potential litigation and legal strategy related to the battery installation.