CLAY — Faced with a "new wave" of renewable energy proposals, the Town Board voted Monday to hit the pause button on battery storage systems. The board approved Local Law No. 3, a temporary six-month moratorium prohibiting the processing of new zone changes or special permits related to battery storage systems. The vote was 6-1, with Councilor Joseph Bick casting the lone dissenting vote. Supervisor Damian Ulatowski said the measure is necessary to give the town time to study the potential impacts of the technology and draft specific regulations. The town currently has two applications pending, with more expected, and Ulatowski noted the town needs to be consistent with neighboring municipalities that are also studying the issue. "This allows the Board to research it fully," Ulatowski said, according to the meeting minutes. The public hearing on the moratorium drew significant comment from industry representatives and residents. Sera Yoon, a renewable energy attorney representing Aurora Renewables, and Olivia Sproviero of NexAmp urged the board against the ban, arguing the projects provide energy benefits to the town. Erik Anderson of Carson Power asked for an exemption for projects in industrial zones that are set back from residences. Resident Joanne Lane, who lives off Longbranch Road, spoke in favor of caution, telling the board a proposed facility would be "literally in my back yard." The moratorium will last for six months from the filing of the law, though the board retains the authority to amend, extend, or terminate it earlier. In other land-use news, the board moved to tighten regulations on fueling stations. The board adopted Local Law No. 2, which amends the town code to require gas stations within shopping centers to obtain a Special Permit from the Town Board. The law specifically targets the HC-1 Highway Commercial district. The board first determined the action was a Type II action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), meaning it requires no further environmental review, before voting to approve the law itself. Councilor Bick voted against the measure. On the economic development front, a proposal to rezone the "Sweetheart Corner" property at 102 ½ Wally Road is moving forward. The board held a public hearing on a zone change from R-10 One-Family Residential to RC-1 Regional Commercial. Anthony Gizzie, the property owner, and Neil Zinsmeyer of Napierala Consulting presented plans to construct two commercial structures to house a bank, commercial space, and several restaurants. Gizzie assured the board that the iconic Sweetheart Corner sign, a local landmark, would remain. The board voted to adjourn the continued public hearing to May 4, 2026, referring the matter to the Planning Board for review. The board also approved routine financial and administrative matters. Unanimously approved resolutions included: * Authorizing a $22,500 contract with C&S Engineers, Inc. for the Town Landfill Post Closure Environmental Monitoring Program. * Accepting Onondaga County Community Development funds for low-income area projects. * Establishing and classifying a Personnel Administrator position in the Supervisor’s office to comply with New York State Civil Service regulations. The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 20.