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Town board clears local-law changes to allow GE Verona BESS siting review amendments
Summary
The Rotterdam Town Board approved a SEQR negative declaration and adopted a local-law amendment adjusting how battery energy storage systems at the GE Verona campus are reviewed, with one board member recused for the vote.
The Rotterdam Town Board on June 10 adopted a SEQR negative declaration and passed a local-law amendment changing siting and review rules for battery energy storage systems (BESS) at the GE Verona campus.
What happened: The board considered Resolution 168 (a SEQR negative declaration amending zoning language related to battery energy storage systems) and Resolution 169 (adopting local law 4 of 2026 to amend previous local law 10 of 2025 concerning the siting and review of BESS at the GE Verona campus). Both items were moved, seconded and approved by roll call. One member recused from the votes; the recorded result was four yes, one recused.
Public and board remarks: At least one resident (Brenda Terroian) raised questions during public comment about why GE Verona would receive an exemption from the town’s BESS code and whether the exemption would extend to other developers using the same battery technology. She also asked whether the project could receive a 15-year real property tax exemption; the transcript records the question but did not include a definitive answer at the meeting.
Why it matters: The local-law changes affect how large-scale battery storage projects are reviewed and whether site-specific exemptions are possible. Residents asked for clarity about safety comparisons between iron-air versus lithium-ion batteries and about whether exemptions would be uniformly available for similar technology. The board proceeded with the procedural votes needed to place the local law and related public notices into the record.
What’s next: The amended language was placed onto the consent agenda and enacted under the consent procedure; the public hearing notice requirements were adjusted to reflect that the item recognizes the introduction of a local law rather than enactment. Any future requests for exemptions or tax incentives will follow the town’s formal review and public-notice processes.
Quote "If that's true, why not allow the exemption or exception for any developer who would use the same safer battery technology?" resident Brenda Terroian asked during public comment.
Authors’ note: The article is based on the board’s discussion and votes at the June 10 meeting; transcript recording shows the votes and the single recusal but does not provide the final ordinance text or any separate safety studies presented at the meeting.
