Tewksbury Select Board and Board of Health Clash Over Hillman Street Battery Storage Project
Tewksbury's Select Board and Board of Health experienced tensions during a joint meeting over East Point Energy's proposed battery storage project on Hillman Street, which aims to store 125 megawatts of energy. Residents have voiced opposition due to safety and property value concerns, while the town seeks to negotiate a host community agreement for $40 million over 20 years. The Select Board is expected to vote on the agreement soon, with public comments due by February 6 to the Energy Facilities Siting Board, which has final approval authority.
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Tewksbury's Select Board and Board of Health faced tensions during a joint meeting regarding a proposed battery storage project on 4.3 acres at 73 Hillman Street. East Point Energy plans to store 125 megawatts of energy, potentially powering 125,000 homes for four hours.
Residents have opposed the project since last year, with a deadline of February 6 for public comments to the Energy Facilities Siting Board, which has final approval authority. Town Manager John Curran stated that the town aims to negotiate a host community agreement ensuring a minimum $2 million annual payment over 20 years, totaling $40 million, along with safety measures and a property value fund.
Concerns about safety, property values, and the response to potential fire incidents were raised by residents and board members. The Select Board is set to vote on the host community agreement on Wednesday, with further submissions to the Siting Board due by February 6.
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