Guardian Angels founder and Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa joined Bronx Conservative Party Vice Chairman and New York City public advocate candidate Gonzalo Duran at a rally on Saturday, April 12, to protest a proposed lithium battery plant in the Bronx.
The rally took place at the corner of Boston Road and De Lavall Avenue, near the site where NineDot Energy, a battery energy storage system developer, plans to construct the facility.
Several community members participated in the demonstration, voicing concerns about transparency and environmental safety. Residents said they were never consulted or informed about the project, and questioned the potential health and safety risks the plant could pose to the surrounding neighborhood.
One of the primary concerns raised by protesters was the risk of fire associated with lithium-ion battery facilities. Attendees cited a growing number of fires across the city linked to these batteries, which can be difficult to extinguish and release hazardous fumes when they ignite.
Each of these fires were from lithium-ion batteries in mobility devices that were not regulated or tested. The FDNY requires such equipment to be examined and tested. Additionally, many of these devices were not stored properly, with some instances resulting from the scooters being overcharged.
Residents warned that the fumes from a fire can pose serious health risks, including respiratory problems and skin irritation, potentially endangering families and nearby business owners.
Protesters also claimed that the housing complex previously located at the site was demolished with little to no public notice or input, further fueling frustration over a lack of transparency in the project’s development.
In addition to Sliwa and Duran, other notable attendees included New York City Council District 12 Candidate James Washington-Ward, New York Young Republican Club Bronx Caucus Chairman Christopher Reid and Community Advocate Stephanie Liggio.
A spokesperson for NineDot Energy told the Bronx Times that despite the concerns from residents of a lithium battery storage facility being prone to a fire, there has not been a single case of such a facility catching fire in New York City.
The property’s zoning also already allows for the development of this proposed facility. Additionally, NineDot intends to reach out and talk with community members as the start of construction draws near.
