Letters

I was very disappointed in The Southampton Press editorial of June 15 [“Carefully Forward”]. It is demeaning and dismissive to imply that Hampton Bays residents who have expressed rational and legitimate concerns about the potential location of a large BESS facility in their neighborhood are “hysterical.”

The Hampton Bays neighborhood around North Highway on the east side of the canal is both densely populated and environmentally sensitive. The facility would be located perilously close to the Long Island Rail Road and Sunrise Highway. A fire in this location would block evacuation east of town for days, or potentially longer. It is a poor choice by any standard. In addition to hundreds of homes, the location is close to the Shinnecock Canal and marina, Shinnecock and Peconic bays, and Meschutt Beach.

We are grateful that the fire in the East Hampton BESS facility did not result in injury or serious damage. Luck was on their side, and the comparison is weak at best. The BESS site planned for North Road in Hampton Bays is 20 times larger than East Hampton’s (5 MWs in East Hampton vs 100 MWs in Hampton Bays).

A moratorium was imposed on the planned BESS facility in Southold, and one is being seriously considered for the other potential BESS site on West Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays. Yet we are told that the planned site on North Road is too far along in the process and too much money has already been spent.

Where is the caution here? It is never too late. But how did it get this far along without the residents knowing anything about it?

Lithium batteries and BESS facilities are the wave of the future. We welcome the development. But the technology is new, much is unknown, and it is clear to any informed person that North Road Hampton Bays is not a safe or appropriate testing ground.

Thanks to the Hampton Bays Civic Association for informing the community — without them, we would still be in the dark.

Patricia McKee

Hampton Bays