Lithium battery factory. The lithium-ion facility. A “mini-Chernobyl.” Just some of the names the Middle Village community has heard referring to the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), located on 69th Place. After two protests — with a third planned on Feb. 26 — and one proposed State bill attempting to supersede City zoning regulation: the entire Queens community has rallied against just one of these facilities due to its placement across the street from PS 128/P255Q and nearby residences for fears of safety and health effects from hazardous chemicals, fires and noise pollution.
In a joint statement signed by Council Member Phil Wong, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, state Sen. Joseph Addabbo and Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi said:
