A developer plans to install a lithium-ion battery storage facility directly across from an elementary school in Queens, sparking outrage among parents and residents who accuse the company of bypassing community input while politicians push a state bill to override local zoning protections.
Story Snapshot
- NineDot Energy proposes battery energy storage system on 69th Place, across from PS 128/P255Q school in Middle Village, Queens
- Residents organize third protest for February 26, 2026, citing fire risks, toxic chemical concerns, and lack of transparency from developer
- State Senator Joseph Addabbo supports relocating facility away from schools and residential areas, prioritizing public safety over clean energy agenda
- Developer refuses public meetings, offers only one-on-one conversations, while proposed state legislation threatens to supersede city zoning authority
- NYC operates 30 battery storage facilities without incidents, but community fears catastrophic fires based on national precedents using outdated technology
Developer Dodges Public Scrutiny While Parents Demand Answers
NineDot Energy’s proposal to construct an outdoor Battery Energy Storage System on 69th Place in Middle Village has ignited fierce opposition from parents and residents. The site sits directly across from PS 128/P255Q school, raising alarms about children’s safety. Paul Pogozelski, president of the Middle Village Residents Association, has organized multiple protests as parents voice fears about potential fires and hazardous chemical exposure. The developer refuses to hold public meetings, claiming they would not be productive, instead offering only one-on-one conversations and website FAQs. This approach has deepened community distrust, with residents accusing NineDot of deliberately avoiding transparent dialogue about legitimate safety concerns.
State Legislation Threatens Local Zoning Control
A proposed state bill would override New York City’s zoning authority, allowing battery storage facilities near schools and homes without local approval. State Senator Joseph Addabbo has publicly stated that “public safety must always come first” and supports relocating the facility away from sensitive areas. The legislation represents a troubling pattern of state government overriding local communities to advance green energy mandates regardless of resident concerns. This assault on local control mirrors other instances where unelected bureaucrats and distant politicians impose their priorities on neighborhoods without accountability. Residents see the bill as government overreach that strips away their fundamental right to protect their children and property values.
Safety Record Conflicts With Community Fears
New York City currently operates 30 battery energy storage facilities without a single fire or safety incident, including one located 20 feet from an Ozone Park middle school. NineDot Vice President Brill emphasizes that modern facilities use sealed containers with FDNY-mandated safety features including thermal cameras, off-gassing systems, and automatic shutoffs. The developer points to a Bronx charter school that embraced a similar NineDot facility, with 700 families reporting no complaints and the principal collaborating on educational programs. However, residents reference national incidents like the 2022 Moss Landing, California fire, though NineDot notes that fire involved outdated, densely packed batteries that NYC regulations explicitly ban from current installations.
Pattern of Opposition Emerges Across New York
Middle Village’s resistance reflects a broader trend across New York and neighboring states. Brooklyn residents oppose two lithium-ion battery facilities over safety and environmental concerns. Near Kingston, the Hurley Town Board called for a moratorium on a 250-megawatt Terra-Gen facility proposed in a dense area near schools and homes. In New Milford, Connecticut, nearly 1,000 residents signed a petition against a 10-acre Flatiron Energy proposal near a river and flood zone, citing toxin fears despite the company’s use of newer iron-phosphate batteries. These communities share common concerns: proximity to vulnerable populations, inadequate safety guarantees, and developers who prioritize profits and green energy mandates over legitimate local concerns about protecting families.
Charged-up NY locals fuming over plans for battery storage site next to school: 'No transparency' https://t.co/LGxUIfVvTq pic.twitter.com/WVDkXxtcvW
— New York Post Metro (@nypmetro) February 27, 2026
The third protest scheduled for February 26, 2026, will test whether grassroots resistance can overcome the combined pressure from developers and state politicians pushing renewable energy goals. For Middle Village families, the fight represents more than just one facility—it’s about preserving community autonomy and the fundamental right to protect children from potential hazards that government bureaucrats and corporate interests refuse to adequately address through transparent public processes.
