Overview:
The Planning Board in Athol has postponed the discussion on the proposed battery energy storage system bylaw to April due to concerns over environmental and public safety impacts. Board members questioned whether the current zoning provides adequate protection for battery energy storage systems near water sources, and whether the batteries contain harmful chemicals. The board also discussed the size of first-floor commercial spaces in downtown buildings and the town's Dark-Sky lighting initiative, which will be presented in April.
ATHOL – The Planning Board’s discussion on a proposed battery energy storage system bylaw was continued to April, after members raised concerns about environmental and public safety impacts.
At the board’s Feb. 4 meeting, members questioned whether current zoning provides adequate protection if battery energy storage systems are allowed near water sources. Several noted that solar projects are subject to larger setback requirements under the town’s zoning bylaws.
“I think it’s much more dangerous than solar,” said board member Aimee Hanson. “These batteries contain chemicals, and solar panels don’t.”
Director of Planning and Community Development Eric Smith said the state has issued a model battery energy storage system bylaw that relies on existing regulations under the Wetlands Protection Act and state stormwater standards, rather than imposing additional local setback requirements.
He said battery storage facilities require a special permit and review by multiple town departments, including public safety officials, Site-specific issues, such as riverfront setbacks on previously disturbed land and potential mitigation measures, could be addressed through that process.
“I just feel like we’re not considering how close it is to the water,” Hanson said, adding that she would like more information on containment and what could happen if a battery system were to fail or catch fire near a river.
The board voted to continue discussion of the bylaw to its April meeting.
Members then moved on to the size of first-floor commercial spaces in downtown buildings, following a recent project that left approximately 100 square feet designated for retail use.
“I don’t see that as being a really viable retail space,” said board member Mary Holtorf, who said shrinking commercial spaces could reduce foot traffic and weaken Main Street retail over time.
“As long as somebody can get into it and it meets code and it can be used as retail, I’m not going to dictate how big it has to be,” Smith said.
He said the board may want additional information on the size of existing downtown storefronts before considering any changes. The issue will be revisited in May.
A brief update was also provided on the town’s Dark-Sky lighting initiative. Smith said a resident survey created by a student working with the board is active again after the QR code previously used on flyers expired and was renewed. As of the day before the meeting, about 30 responses had been received.
Smith said the student was not yet ready to present the findings, and the board agreed to schedule a presentation for April to allow more time for outreach and additional responses.