Developer frames battery storage as possible future phase; board seeks limits on tree clearing

The developer explained that the proposed sketch plan includes roadwork and some clearing sized to accommodate a potential future bulk energy storage facility, but that the storage installation itself would require a separate application and approvals.

"We have not received any utility approvals for that yet... It's very far in the future," the developer said, adding that the design shows larger disturbance areas to avoid segmentation risk. The developer offered to make additional tree clearing conditional on a future site-plan approval if the board prefers. The board responded that it is acceptable to require conditions that prohibit cutting until a separate secondary site plan is approved, and asked the applicant to clarify in the EAF which disturbances are for the current phase and which are contingency for a later phase.

Board members also asked whether roads and stormwater facilities are sized now for a second phase; Nexamp said some road and stormwater design elements were sized to accommodate future use but that future installations themselves are not approved by tonight's action.