Clay Town Board Moves to Regulate Battery Storage, Set Rules for Smoke Shops
The Town Board moved forward with a new law to govern battery energy storage systems and established regulations for retail smoke shops during their April 20 meeting. The board also scheduled public hearings for a proposed bank drive-thru and infrastructure improvements.
●Scheduled a public hearing for May 4 to adopt a new law regulating Battery Energy Storage Systems (Local Law No. 4).
●Scheduled a public hearing for May 4 to require special permits for new smoke shops in commercial districts (Local Law No. 5).
●Scheduled a public hearing for May 4 regarding a special permit for a Community Bank drive-thru at 4000 State Route 31.
●Authorized the Supervisor to apply for a FEMA grant to install a generator at Town Hall, requiring a 25% local match.
●Adopted the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan to maintain eligibility for federal disaster assistance.
●Scheduled a public hearing regarding CDBG funding for street repairs on Steelway Blvd. South.
**CLAY** – As the energy landscape shifts toward renewable power, the Town Board is taking steps to ensure new technology is implemented safely. During their regular meeting on April 20, 2026, the board initiated the process to adopt a new "Battery Energy Storage System Law," aiming to balance green energy promotion with public safety.
The board unanimously moved to schedule a public hearing for May 4 at 7:38 p.m. to consider Local Law No. 4. This legislation would create a new chapter in the Town Code specifically for battery storage systems.
According to the meeting minutes, town officials recognize that while these systems represent a reliable form of renewable energy storage, the technology is relatively new. Currently, the town lacks a governing ordinance to address their use. The proposed law aims to establish guidelines for properly siting these facilities, with a focus on protecting the environment and ensuring the health and safety of residents.
Also on the horizon for the May 4 meeting is a proposed change to how the town regulates tobacco retail. The board scheduled a separate hearing for 7:41 p.m. to consider Local Law No. 5. This law would amend the Town Code to define "Smoke Shops" and require them to obtain a Special Permit from the Town Board to operate in the RC-1, HC-1, and NC-1 Commercial Zone Districts.
In other business, the board is preparing for potential commercial expansion. A public hearing was set for May 4 at 7:41 p.m. regarding Case #1247. This application seeks a Special Permit for Community Bank, represented by Erik Turner, to construct a bank with drive-thru services. The proposed site is located at 4000 State Route 31, within an existing retail plaza in the RC-1 Regional Commercial District.
Infrastructure improvements were also on the agenda. The board scheduled a hearing for May 4 at 7:44 p.m. to consider an application for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. The funds would specifically target street repairs for Steelway Blvd. South in 2027.
Looking toward disaster preparedness, the board adopted a resolution accepting the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan for Onondaga County. The minutes note that this plan is required by state and federal agencies to keep the town eligible for non-emergency disaster assistance and mitigation funds.
Finally, the town is seeking financial assistance for its own facilities. The board authorized the Supervisor and Deputy Supervisor to apply for a grant through the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. The funding would be used to purchase and install a generator for Town Hall. The grant requires a 25% local match from the town, which the board agreed to provide.
The public hearings for the battery storage law, smoke shop regulations, bank permit, and street funding are all scheduled for May 4, 2026.
This article was drafted by AI (claude-sonnet-4-20250514) from the official meeting transcript and reviewed by a human editor.
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●Moratorium on Battery Storage: Approved Local Law No. 3 (6-1 vote), imposing a six-month ban on new applications or zoning changes related to battery storage systems to allow for study and code updates.
●Gas Station Regulations: Adopted Local Law No. 2 (6-1 vote), amending Town Code to require a Special Permit for gas stations within shopping centers.
●Landfill Monitoring Contract: Authorized a contract with C&S Engineers, Inc. for post-closure environmental monitoring of the town landfill, not to exceed $22,500.
●Community Development Funds: Unanimously approved the use of funds for 2026 projects in lower-income areas in coordination with Onondaga County.
●Sweetheart Corner Rezoning: Adjourned a public hearing for a zone change at 102 ½ Wally Road to May 4, 2026; the proposal seeks to rezone land from residential to commercial for redevelopment.
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