Pittsfield Looks at Zoning Amendment for Battery Energy Storage

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — In an effort to embrace greener energy sources while protecting the interest of residents, the city has proposed a zoning amendment for battery energy storage systems.

On Tuesday, the Community Development Board got a first look at the proposal.  There were several items that the panel would like City Planner Jacinta Williams to revisit so it was tabled until a later date.

Williams explained that it aims to protect critical parts of the community with a mind to continuing development and acknowledging that technology is changing.

It provides regulatory guidelines, ensures compatible land uses, and guides responsible and intentional development of residential, small, and commercial scale battery storage systems.

"We understand that solar panels are going to be implemented on residences, and we wanted to allow for greater storage of both electricity from solar panels but also from electrical vehicles," Williams said.

"And again, just with a mind towards implementing those alternative uses in our homes and in our neighborhoods as we move away from fossil fuels."

She also proposed an overlay district to account for businesses and developers.

Language about Native acknowledgments stirred the most conversation, as board members are supportive of the effort but want to make sure that the language is clear.

One of the goals reads:

"To go beyond land acknowledgments, recognizing forests, riparian ways, and wildlife (hereafter, "the land") as living breathing members of our community that deserve to be protected in accordance with Native Nations' and Indigenous Communities' practices."

Member Libby Herland explained that the likes the concept but is not sure that it should be in the ordinance.

"In recent times, there has been a lot of concern about the relationship of land, both forest and other lands, to Native peoples," Chair Sheila Irvin said.

"And so I think there was an attempt here to respect land that may be connected with Native peoples and wanting to be careful not to kind of run over that."

Herland said she is completely sympathetic to the cause but wonders if it will cause confusion for applicants.


"I like the fact that there's a conscious thought to do something beyond just acknowledging it," she said. "To me though, to put it in here it's like a larger question."

Matthew Herzberg said that the intent is probably valid but the wording is vague and open to interpretation when the rest of the document is very prescriptive.  He asked if it could be written in a way where the intent is clearly demonstrated and easier to follow.

Williams explained that the intent is a couple of things and that is why it may be difficult to grasp.  

"The idea is to recognize that land has been stolen essentially, from Native nations, and they were the original caretakers and as such, there should be some recognition beyond land acknowledgments," she said.

"Which is why that part is in there as to the fact that we should be considering what those caring practices would be, and incorporating that into our decision-making process."

She strongly advocated for keeping the language in there but agreed to offer wording that is more clear.

"I think my issue with this is that it's very unclear what the expectations are of somebody who is attempting to build something under this ordinance," Herzberg said.

Williams will present a revised document at the board's next meeting that takes all of the concerns raised into account.  After the board approves it, it will be presented to the City Council.

In other news, the board approved a site plan for a recreational cannabis retail store at 5 Cheshire Road and a site plan for the Casella Waste transfer station.

Casella purchased the waste transfer facility on Hubbard Avenue from Community Eco Power LLC, which filed for bankruptcy in 2021 and has demolished it for redevelopment into a waste transfer station.




 


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State Fire Marshal: Fall Back Safely

STOW, Mass.—With the end of daylight savings time coming on Nov. 3, Massachusetts fire officials issued a seasonal reminder to check smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and change the batteries when changing clocks.

"Working smoke and CO alarms are vital to your safety at home," said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. "As we 'fall back' this weekend, protect yourself and the people you care for by putting fresh alkaline batteries in alarms that use them and replacing alarms that are out of date."

Today's smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have the manufacturing date printed on the back of the device. Smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years, and CO alarms should be replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions – usually 5, 7, or 10 years, depending on the model. Unless you have newer alarms with 10-year sealed batteries, this is also a good time to replace the alkaline batteries in all your alarms. And remember to test your smoke and CO alarms once a month to be sure they're working properly.

Heating Season Brings Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Foxborough Fire Chief Michael Kelleher, president of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts, emphasized the importance of working carbon monoxide alarms as we enter the colder months.

"Carbon monoxide is a leading cause of poisoning deaths in the United States, and heating equipment is the main source of carbon monoxide in the home," Chief Kelleher said. "We can't see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide. Working CO alarms are the only way to detect this invisible killer."

Replacement Alarms Should Have Sealed, Long-Life Batteries and a Hush Feature

Replacing your old single-station smoke alarm? Choose alarms that have sealed, long-life batteries and a hush feature. This makes it less likely that someone in the home will use the batteries for another device, forget to change them twice a year, or remove them when cooking causes smoke in the kitchen.

"Disabling a smoke alarm puts you, your loved ones, and everyone in the building at risk," said State Fire Marshal Davine. "Never remove batteries from a smoke alarm except when putting fresh ones in."

Alarms Should Be Listed by an Independent Lab

Massachusetts requires that all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek (ETL). Listed devices will have the laboratory's mark on the back. In recent years, fire officials have seen numerous smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that were purchased online and either have counterfeit marks or no mark at all.

"Smoke and CO alarms can be the difference between life and death, but only if they work properly." said Chief Kelleher. "When you purchase a new alarm, choose one from a well-known, national brand. We've seen many alarms that were purchased online and don't meet the safety requirements of our State Fire Code. If the price seems too good to be true, then it probably is."

Create & Practice a Home Escape Plan

"Changes to building construction and furnishings mean we have less time to escape a fire at home than ever before," said State Fire Marshal Davine. "You could have just three minutes to get out safely."

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