LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A proposed 43-acre battery plant within the northwest Las Vegas valley is sparking robust concern amongst residents.
Neighbors in Skye Canyon and Windfall are assembly with Clearway Vitality to be taught extra in regards to the plant – and make their voices heard.
Residents obtained a letter from Clearway Vitality three weeks in the past outlining plans for a big power storage facility close to Kyle Canyon Street. Many are involved about security, property values, and what this venture may imply for the way forward for their group.
“I’m opposed to it, as I believe most of the neighbors are opposed to it,” resident and neighborhood activist Nathan Taylor mentioned. “They’re asking to put in a 43-acre battery plant, where it doesn’t belong.”
Taylor has lived within the northwest valley for almost a decade and says neighbors have labored arduous to restrict industrial initiatives within the space. He worries the battery plant may change that – and convey new dangers.
“When you’re talking about putting something that’s got combustible type material, now you’re putting homeowners in danger,” Taylor mentioned.
Home-owner Tim Gregart fears what the venture may imply for his or her investments and neighborhood aesthetic.
“The homeowners have to be concerned because there’s a long-term investment,” Gregart mentioned. “I want the community that I bought into to represent itself and look very much like what the vision was a few years ago. I don’t think that this works in that light.”
Past property values, security is prime of thoughts. In September, a lithium battery fireplace broke out at a photo voltaic facility in Boulder Metropolis. And earlier this yr, a hearth ignited at Moss Touchdown Energy Plant in California – the world’s largest battery storage unit, forcing a 2-mile evacuation. B
ut Louis Feldman, senior director for Clearway Vitality, says the venture is designed with security and effectivity in thoughts and can supply dependable, low-cost power.
“Any means to give consumers and residents in the area the lowest cost form of energy is definitely a benefit for them,” Feldman mentioned. “Safety is the number one priority for Clearway. We work to engage the local fire department and have been doing so, and we want to be a good neighbor. Through the voluntary meeting here, (we will) hear those concerns and get to know the community better.”
The neighborhood assembly begins at 5:30 p.m. at Centennial Hills Library. There shall be a compulsory assembly earlier than the proposal goes earlier than the Las Vegas Planning Fee on Jan. 13.
