Newstead adopts moratorium on Battery Storage Facilities and Wind Energy systems

New interest in the placement of standalone Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and increased interest in the construction and installation of Solar systems with battery storage and significant technological advances in wind energy conversion systems led the Newstead Town Board to adopt a moratorium on those facilities during their meeting Monday night, July 8.

Public Hearings on the Local Laws implementing six-month moratoriums on installation of those systems was held July 8 with no residents appearing to comment.

The moratorium covers BESS facilities as well as on the review and approval of permits/applications for construction and installation of solar farms and other solar installations which include battery storage.

It does not include roof mounted residential solar panels designed to provide energy for a single residential unit within the Town.

The moratorium allows the Town time to address the concerns regarding these facilities and to enact revisions to the law addressing the review, construction, and installation to ensure that such BESS facilities and solar farms and other solar installations with battery storage components are safe and do not adversely impact neighboring properties, to review tax considerations, and to promote and preserve the welfare of the residents of the Town of Newstead.

The adopted moratorium on wind energy conversion systems (WECS) includes review of applications for and construction and installation of new wind energy projects within the Town to allow time for amendments, revisions, and/or additions to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Newstead residents.

Increased interest in the construction and installation of wind energy projects across New York State, as well as significant changes in technology that have drastically altered the size and scope of these projects prompted the Town Board’s finding that a moratorium is necessary to allow them time to review potential concerns and to enact appropriate additions, revisions, and/or amendments to the law governing wind energy projects to ensure that such projects do not adversely impact neighboring properties, agricultural lands, of the character and nature of the community; to review tax considerations; and to promote and preserve the welfare of the Town residents.

Celebration appreciated

Supervisor Dawn Izydorczak noted her appreciation for the fourth of July Celebration and her invitation to be one of the judges for the parade.  Councilman Dr. Edmund Burke lauded Celebration Committee Chair Kathy Capan and all those who work to make this event happen.

Concerns raised

Residents from Brodie’s Way and Jackson Street appeared before the Board to express concerns over what they describe as nuisance noise emanating from Niagara Specialty Metals at all hours of the day and into the night and a lack of response to complaints filed with the Code Enforcement Officer.  “We would appreciate communication and resolution,” one resident noted.

Supervisor Dawn Izydorczak said she would follow up with Code Enforcement regarding their concerns.

Speed and truck traffic on Hake Road was also raised as a concern and residents asked for a traffic study.  Supervisor Izydorczak said the Board would act on making such a request from DOT at their next meeting.

Building Permits

Building permits were issued for a swimming pool at 12296 Nice Road, a roof at 11107 Howe Rd., a remodel/renovation at 11507 Clarence Ctr Rd., a front porch with pergola cover at 13091 Steiner Rd., shed at 5576 Barnum Rd., Pole barn at 4151 South Newstead Rd., pool at 7370 Maple Rd., Special Event 11167 Main Rd., replacement windows 11568 Meahl Rd.; patio roof covering 4151 South Newstead Rd., roof at 5720 Cummings Rd.