**CLAY** — Proposed battery energy storage systems (BESS) and a new credit union branch were the focus of a lengthy Town Board meeting on February 2, as residents and officials grappled with the balance between energy infrastructure and public safety. The Board opened public hearings for three separate applications from **Nexamp, Inc.**, seeking to install utility substations utilizing Tesla Megapack batteries at **4664 Wetzel Road** and on **Longbranch Road**. The projects would connect to the National Grid distribution system and, according to the applicants, help offset proposed rate hikes by storing energy during off-peak hours. However, the presentations by Olivia Sproviero and Mike DeAngelo of Nexamp were met with skepticism from residents and Fire Chief Mike Brown of the MCFD. Chief Brown raised immediate concerns regarding the emergency response protocol. According to the minutes, Nexamp representatives stated their emergency dispatch is located in Massachusetts, with a response time of six to eight hours. They noted they could potentially arrive on site in four hours. "The applicant said that if the product burns, they would test the air quality in a 100' radius," the minutes noted. Chief Brown questioned whether the volunteer fire department would be expected to monitor the site for the extended period before Nexamp personnel arrived. "This will be a large event for them," Brown was recorded as saying. These concerns were echoed by Councilor Edward Wisnowski and residents who worried about the potential for "thermal runaway"—a chemical reaction leading to battery fires—and the subsequent burden on the town’s volunteer forces. **Technology and Setbacks** Nexamp representatives defended the safety of the proposed technology, noting that current batteries utilize phosphate rather than cobalt, which they said has a lower probability of combustion. They proposed noise mitigation, including 8-foot fences and evergreen screening, and noted that lighting would be used solely for maintenance. However, when pressed by Councilor Joseph Bick regarding the duration of a potential fire and the number of cells involved, the applicants could not provide specific answers. Councilor David Capria requested a decommissioning plan, noting one had not been supplied with the application. **Residents Sound Off** Public comment was heavily dominated by opposition to the battery storage sites. Residents cited proximity to homes, schools, and playgrounds, with one noting four buildings housing 16 families sit just 130 feet from the Longbranch parcel. Multiple speakers suggested the Town should adopt a moratorium on BESS projects, similar to actions taken by neighboring municipalities, to allow time for regulations to catch up with the technology. **Credit Union Expansion Moves Forward** In contrast to the heated debate over battery storage, an application by **The Summit Federal Credit Union** to construct a new facility at **4955 West Taft Road** proceeded more smoothly. Represented by Tim Coyer of Ianuzzi and Romans, Summit is under contract to purchase two parcels at the intersection of Carriage Parkway and Taft Road. They are seeking a zone change from O-1 Neighborhood Office to O-2 Office District, along with special permits to allow for a drive-thru facility. Mr. Coyer noted that Summit, formerly the Syracuse Police Department Federal Credit Union, is a not-for-profit that sponsors local events like the Taste of Syracuse. Councilors expressed minor concerns regarding traffic flow. Councilor Eugene Young asked if the applicant would restrict access to Taft Road to encourage ingress and egress via Carriage Parkway; the applicant agreed. "The vehicles will enter and exit from Carriage Parkway," the minutes stated. **Next Steps** Unable to reach a decision on the evening of February 2, the Board took action to continue the discussions. Councilor Wisnowski moved to adjourn the public hearings for the Summit Federal Credit Union cases (1240, 1241, 1242) and the Nexamp cases (1243, 1244). The motions carried 7-0. All public hearings were adjourned to the **March 2, 2026** Town Board meeting, allowing the Planning Board time to review the applications and provide recommendations.