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Highland Falls trustees and residents discuss battery storage as possible $2.5M revenue source
Summary
Mayor DiSalvo and trustees opened public discussion about a proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), described as a potential revenue source of approximately $2.5 million; residents raised safety, design, and watershed concerns and said engineering drawings are needed before proceeding.
Mayor DiSalvo opened an initial public discussion of a proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) for the village, describing it as a possible alternative revenue stream to taxes.
"It's a potential revenue source of approximately 2.5 million dollars and we have to spend a few minutes discussing that as an option of revenue instead of taxes," Mayor DiSalvo said, emphasizing that the proposal had not been voted on and remained only under consideration.
Several residents used the public-comment period to press the board on safety and site design. Mervin Livsey asked whether the systems would be housed in concrete buildings and raised concerns about stormwater and previous property damage from the July 9 storm. Ed Dunn described the project as a prospective "money maker" for the village but said the project cannot proceed until engineering drawings and design work are completed.
Trustees and staff did not take formal action on the BESS at the meeting. Mayor DiSalvo and residents discussed alternatives for generating revenue, and board members said more study and consultation with engineers and the Planning Board will be required before any vote or contract negotiation.
