A lithium-ion battery storage facility in the residential neighborhood of Middle Village? This is the proposal that may become a reality, according to plans by the Department of Buildings. The community, local politicians and activists, oppose the proposal. Radio RAMPA asked Mayor Eric Adams about it this week.
During a recent press conference, Monika Adamski, editor in chief of Radio RAMPA, asked New York City Mayor Eric Adams if he would be willing to oppose the construction of a lithium-ion battery storage facility at 64-30 69th Place in Middle Village, adjacent to the building of PS/IS 128Q, near a daycare, veterinary hospital and children’s play space.
The plan was opposed by residents of the neighborhood, local politicians led by Councilman Robert Holden, activists, and Republican Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa during a demonstration organized on April 2. The protesters suggested that the situation is a result of the introduction of the City of Yes program by New York City – they believe that due to the regulations allowed in the plan, the City has the ability to build such a facility in the residential neighborhood.
Mayor Eric Adams, in response to Radio RAMPA question on Tuesday, said the plan was approved before the City of Yes vote, and that City agencies would ensure the storage facility would not be a threat to residents. “First of all, they were already allowed to do this prior to City of Yes. So people want to conflate the two. That’s not true. Prior to City of Yes. They were able to do so. And FDNY and DOB and all of the teams, they make sure that what the rules are and where you can build these facilities. I know there’s a lot of fear around lithium ion batteries because of the actions around them that we’ve witnessed. But this is zoned to be allowed to do so. We’re going to make sure that the agencies do what they’re supposed to do and they’re going to make sure it’s regulated correctly.”
When asked, if he wanted to tell residents of the neighborhood that the storage facility would be safe, he said, “It darn better be safe. We should not be approving any type of manufacturing or any type of storage that’s not safe. That’s the job of our agency to make sure that it is safe.” [You can listen to Mayor’s answer in video above]
The Mayor’s statement was met with reactions from Councilman Robert Holden and Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa.
Republican Mayoral Candidate Curtis Sliwa stated, “All Eric Adams ever does is spin, deflect, and lie. These lithium-ion battery warehouses showing up in residential neighborhoods across the outer boroughs? That’s no coincidence—it’s the City of Yes in action. He sold out our safety to developers and donors. He treats the five boroughs like a political stage, always performing, never listening. While communities raise real concerns, he’s more focused on protecting his image than protecting New Yorkers. That’s why he’s a one-term mayor. Because he refuses to listen, refuses to lead, and only serves those who line his pockets. I won’t be a mayor who dances around the truth—I’ll be the one who stands up, speaks plainly, and puts New Yorkers first.”
Councilman Robert Holden stated, “The mayor is playing loose with the facts. These battery storage facilities didn’t just start showing up in residential parts of the outer boroughs by accident. Why are they suddenly being proposed near homes, schools, and small businesses all at once? Because City of Yes: Carbon Neutrality stripped away critical zoning protections and community input. That’s the common denominator here. To suggest these proposals have nothing to do with the City of Yes is disingenuous. New Yorkers see what’s happening, and they have every right to speak up. City Hall should try listening.”
Radio RAMPA reached out to the New York Department of Buildings for some answers, but they advised us to contact Mayor’s Press Office.
City Hall spokesperson stated in an email response to Radio RAMPA on Wednesday: “New York City has extensive and strict safety regulations in place that must be cleared before any lithium-ion battery storage facility project is approved to move forward. As Mayor Adams has said, no facility would be approved if it poses a safety risk to the community.”
According to City Hall, as of Wednesday, the City has not approved the property owner’s application, and therefore, construction cannot move forward.
In December 2024, DOB received applications from the owners of 64-30 69th Place, Queens, to construct solar panels and a battery energy storage system on the lot. To date, DOB has not received all the required application items from the property owners and their contracted engineer for the energy storage system, preventing DOB from being able to conduct a full review of the proposed project for compliance with code and zoning.
According to City Hall, DOB and FDNY have extensive regulations related to battery projects, to ensure that any project approved to move forward meets the strict safety standards set forth in our city codes. Additionally, according to City Hall, City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality expanded where energy storage systems can locate, but based on public materials, this site would have been allowed even without those changes and that’s because there’s a commercial overlay at this address (C2-3), and even prior to City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality, battery storage was allowed in commercial zones up to 10,000 square feet. (This site appears to be 7,500.)
Furthermore, according to City Hall, City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality should not be confused with City of Yes for Housing Opportunity. These are two separate pieces of zoning legislation, voted on separately by the City Council, with different objectives and parameters.
Monika Adamski
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