CLAY — The Town Planning Board moved forward with a digital signage upgrade for a local business Wednesday night but pressed pause on major energy storage projects, citing a lack of local laws to govern the new technology. During the regular meeting on Feb. 25, the board voted 7-0 to grant a special permit to Sonbyrne Sales, Inc., doing business as Byrne Dairy, for an electronic messaging monument sign at 7190 Buckley Road. According to the minutes, the permit allows for the installation of an LED sign featuring brick facing to match comparable signage in the area. The board determined the project would have no significant environmental impact under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR). However, the meeting’s primary focus shifted quickly to the emerging issue of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The board reviewed three separate referrals for special permits: two from Nexamp Inc., for sites on Wetzel Road and Longbranch Road, and a third from Carson Power, LLC, for a project at 7846 and 7850 Goguen Drive. While Chairwoman Michelle Borton and member Jim Palumbo recused themselves from these discussions, the remaining members offered mixed reactions, with several voicing reservations about the technology. The board voted 5-0 on each of the three referrals to submit recommendations to the Town Board. Board members expressed concerns that the town’s existing zoning does not adequately address the specific risks associated with battery storage, such as fire safety, chemical runoff, and proximity to homes. “I think we are getting ahead of ourselves and I think the Town needs to look at where these should be placed,” said member Paul Graves, according to the minutes. “There is also an issue with these storage systems waste of chemicals, stench of electrical fire which could be problematic where these are located. Location is important.” Member Hal Henty echoed those concerns, arguing the proposed sites were too small and too close to residential neighborhoods. "I do not think this is a good thing for the residents of Clay," Henty said. The board recommended that the Town Board table all BESS applications until a comprehensive ordinance can be adopted. Members suggested that future projects should be restricted to Industrial 2 (I-2) zones and required to include decommissioning agreements. Deputy Chair Russ Mitchell also raised the question of at what point the town's volunteer fire departments would be trained to handle such emergencies. In other business, the board tackled several site plan reviews, many of which were adjourned to allow applicants more time to address engineering details or environmental concerns. * **Ironhorn Enterprises:** The board agreed to serve as the lead agency for the SEQR process for a site plan at 7245 Henry Clay Blvd. The applicant submitted a letter regarding wetlands from a biologist. The case was adjourned to April 8, 2026. * **Northside Baptist Church:** A site plan amendment for 7965 Oswego Road was continued to March 18, 2026. Member Hal Henty requested additional details on photometric sheets to better match lighting specifications with fixtures. * **John E. Fisher Construction:** Site plan and special permit requests for 4593 Wetzel Road were delayed until April 22, 2026, as the board awaits resolution of outstanding wetland issues. * **Northern Credit Union:** The applicant requested an adjournment for a site plan at 5004-5008 West Taft Road. The board continued the matter to March 18, 2026. * **United Church of Christ:** No representative appeared for the special permit request for 215 Blackberry Road. The case was adjourned to March 18, 2026. * **Clay Equestrian Center:** The applicant requested an adjournment for the site plan at 9605 Black Creek Road. It was moved to March 18, 2026. * **Donald Gabor:** With no applicant present for a preliminary plat at 850 Morgan Road, the board adjourned the case to March 18, 2026.