HomeMy WebLinkAboutBESS Temporary Moratorium OFFICE LOCATION: MAILING ADDRESS:
Town Hall Annex P.O. Box 1179
54375 State Route 25 �" �,, Southold, NY 11971
(cor. Main Rd. &Youngs Ave.)
a Telephone: 631 765-1938
Southold, NY
www.southoldtow-nny.gov
PLANNING BOARD OFFICE
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
MEMORANDUM
To: Albert J. Krupski, Jr., Town Supervisor
Members of the Town Board
Denis Noncarrow, Town Clerk
From: James H. Rich III, Chairman 3
Members of the Planning Board
Date: March 13, 2024
Re: "A Local Law in relation to a twelve (12)month Extension of a temporary moratorium
on the issuance of approvals and/or permits for Battery Energy Storage System(BESS)
facilities."
The Planning Board supports twelve (12) month Extension of a temporary moratorium on the
issuance of approvals and/or permits for Battery Energy Storage System(BESS) facilities, and
has the following comments.
Consistency with the Southold Town Comprehensive Plan
The Southold Town Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2020 does not contemplate the science and
function of Battery Energy Storage System(BESS) facilities; rather, it focuses on the siting and
science of renewable energy. A Battery Energy Storage System is not renewable energy, rather,
it is a storage facility that manages and profits from off-peak and peak energy use management.
The Southold Town Comprehensive Plan must be updated to include the goals for BESS
facilities. That process requires more time because it involves community outreach.
Town Zoning Update Project
The Town is also in the middle of a significant update to our zoning, which is expected to take
another year to complete. The Town's BESS Task Force has made good progress on drafting
ideas for new zoning code; however,they need more time to finish the work. Some delay of this
Southold Town Planning Board Page 2 March 13,2024
work has occurred as a result of having to wait for new guidance from the State after fires
occurred at several facilities.
An extension of the moratorium would allow the decision makers the necessary time to better
understand the science of BESS facilities and identify areas where they fit into the Town's land
use and zoning districts, energy dependency, and if they provide a measurable public benefit.
cc: Paul DeChance, Town Attorney