Letters

The Express News Group has come squarely down on the issue of battery energy storage systems in a residential community: Follow the lead of the Southampton Town Board and wait [“A Much Needed Break,” Editorial, August 17]. Questions are being asked; the system of citizen engagement is working. Celebrate.

We thank The Express News Group and the Town Board for listening to formerly surly residents. Sometimes, government and institutions seem to imbibe the nectar that springs from altruism and do-goodism. Sometimes it takes a surly, raw citizenry to ask the questions no one thought to ask. Indeed, this citizenry did its homework before it asked the “sensible” questions. Perhaps it is good to have “a fully engaged hamlet.”

However, citizens know that a BESS in a residential community makes no sense. But, the editorial notes, there “might not be enough ‘industrial zones’ on the South Fork, or on the East End — siting these facilities in neighborhoods might be a necessary evil. … Town officials are wise to make a tactical retreat after stumbling on BESS. The best way forward will be to continue with what’s worked so far: lots of conversation, and truly listen to the objections.”

Our questions do have answers. There is no need to wait. Wait too long and perhaps the East End takes what it needs from that huge industrial facility in a densely wooded, residential area at a choke point to serve their growing needs. Acceptable evil? Why put citizens at risk over what will always be next to impossible to fully mitigate?

Let’s turn to those who understand money. They tend to help those who will help them make more of it. On August 8, a legal representative of the BESS applicant dropped off a letter stating that the applicant, a good citizen, wanted to help; the letter made reference to law being on their side. Then he left. He did not listen to residents asking questions. Money talks, it rarely listens.

Enter friends from East Hampton [“East Hampton Should Require ‘All-Electric’ Houses by 2025, Committee Says,” 27east.com, August 16]. Without joining nor perhaps knowing of any BESS problems or infrastructure issues, “a committee focused on reducing carbon emissions and fossil fuel usage recommended to town lawmakers this week … all new homes in East Hampton should be required to use only electric utilities and appliances starting in 2025.” Francesca Rheannon “said that the transition would make existing systems more efficient and that the heating systems would most add to winter demand … The power company has conducted a study and determined that it could meet power demands from a gradually transitioning grid until 2030, by which time new technology will almost certainly have changed the equation.”

BESS? Fires? Evacuation? Hazmat suits? Training firemen? Governor Kathy Hochul will get all that covered, and soon.

Steve Crispinelli

Hampton Bays