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Proposal To Construct 250-megwatt Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage Facility In Town Of Ulster Being Reviewed
Terra-Gen, a national energy company that stores clean, reliable energy from wind and solar and stores it in battery energy storage systems (BESS), has proposed the construction and operation of a 250-megawatt lithium-ion BESS facility at the former John A. Coleman Catholic High School in the Town of Ulster. The school, located at 430 Hurley Avenue on 15 acres, has been closed since 2019.
The location is adjacent to Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.’s Hurley Substation.
The Project Site is split into two zoning districts – R-30 (Residential) and OM (Office and Manufacturing). As the Town of Ulster’s zoning code does not include zoning or uses specifically applicable to BESS, the town building inspector issued a zoning interpretation classifying BESS as a “utility company structure.” Utility company structures are categorized as an “industrial use” in the town’s Table of Use Regulations and are permitted via site plan review by the Planning Board and special use permit from the Town Board.
Those applications are pending.
The Project will be capable of charging and discharging approximately 250 MW of electricity supply and grid ancillary services for a 4-hour duration or longer.
BESS store electricity from the grid when power is abundant. When power demand is high, or electricity production is insufficient, the stored electricity returns to the grid. The proposal says the facility would power 250,000 homes for four hours and adhere to the highest standards for safety, technology and equipment.
Terra-Gen’s batteries would be stored and operated individually within 300 containers. Plans says the containers are 40 feet long, 8 feet wide and 9 ½ feet high, each with its own monitoring system, climate control, safety apparatus, and the ability to shut down, if necessary.
According to NYSERDA, battery energy storage systems (BESS) have the unique potential to make energy systems smarter, more affordable, and more resilient while creating cleaner air and healthier communities in the process. Because of these benefits, energy storage technologies are becoming increasingly common in New York State.
In 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the creation of a New York State Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group to ensure the safety and security of energy storage systems across the State following several fire incidents within New York State, including those in Jefferson, Orange and Suffolk counties.
Residents have expressed concerns about potential fire at the site and its impact on the local community.
The school building, built in 1967, is more than 50 years old. It will require NYSHPO approval for demolition. The closest single-family house is approximately 270 feet from the Project Site boundary.
According to its website, Terra-Gen currently powers the equivalent of more than 1.8 million homes via BESS units and 5 million via renewable energy and BESS systems.
Image: ulstercleanenergy.com website
Kingston Planning Board Approves 615 Broadway Mixed-Use Development
Kingston’s Planning Board has approved the redevelopment of 615 Broadway, formerly known as Broadway Commons.
In 2022, the City of Kingston sought a development partner to create a sustainable and dynamic mixed-use development on the site of a former motel that had been demolished by the city in 2011. The project site is .78 acres located in the heart of Kingston’s Mid-Town District, just steps away from the UPAC (Ulster Performing Arts Center).
Baxter DevCo, in consultation with the City, has designed a project that exemplifies the city’s newly adopted form-based zoning code. The infill development will enhance economic activity and community vitality with 70 residential units, ground floor commercial space, and dedicated community open space in the interior of the project at the Pauline Oliveros Deep Listening Plaza.
The mixed-use development brings the City of Kingston’s approved housing units to 138 since 2024. Mayor Noble set a goal of approving 1,000 units by 2030.
“I am so pleased that this project, that will be located in a prime space in the heart of Midtown Kingston which has been sitting vacant for far too long, is moving forward” said Mayor Noble.
“Not only are we working toward our goal of approving 1,000 units of housing in five years, we are particularly proud of how this project has developed.”
The site at 615 Broadway has been vacant since the demolition of the former King’s Inn in 2011. 20% of the units will be affordable and the remaining workforce housing, reserved for individuals and families making an average of 80-120 percent AMI.
Eric Baxter, Vice President at Baxter said, “Working with the City of Kingston has been an exceptional experience. From day one, Mayor Noble, Bartek Starodaj and the entire planning team have shown a deep commitment to thoughtful development, community engagement, and housing accessibility. We’re proud to partner with a city that values both vision and collaboration, and we look forward to bringing 615 Broadway to life as a vibrant addition to Midtown Kingston.”
Noble established the Department of Housing Initiatives in 2020 to support housing planning in the City of Kingston. The Department manages housing-related grants, supports the construction of new market-rate and affordable housing, develops policies to protect existing residents, and addresses the connection between housing and sustainability, health, and mobility. The Department also reviews the disposition of city-owned property suitable for housing development and collaborates with local and regional housing organizations. Visit https://kingston-ny.gov/housing.
Rendering: EngageKingston.com
Acquisition of 900 Acres Permanently Protects Critical Catskill Forest Preserve
New York State acquired 900 acres in Ulster County, the largest addition to the Catskill Forest Preserve since 2011 that will help ensure the long-term protection of drinking water in the Ashokan Reservoir watershed. Expansive upgrades at the Peekamoose Blue Hole have also been completed.
“With the acquisition of 900 acres of forested beauty and water quality protection, and enhancements at one of the State’s most frequented natural wonders, New York State is continuing to invest in the Catskills to ensure their continued natural legacy and the ability of all New Yorkers to enjoy it,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The State’s acquisition of 900 acres in the town of Olive ensures an undisturbed viewshed of the Catskills from all points east, including the Ashokan Reservoir and Kingston-Rhinecliff bridge.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) worked closely with the Open Space Institute to secure the parcel after the organization took ownership in 2019.
Open Space Institute President and CEO Erik Kulleseid said, “The Open Space Institute celebrates the sale of the Golden properties to DEC as an addition to the Catskill Forest Preserve. By keeping these landscapes wild and undisturbed, we are protecting vital wildlife habitat, creating new recreational opportunities, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, and preserving the land’s natural ability to filter water flowing into the Ashokan watershed, a critical resource for millions of people and businesses.”
The property provides significant opportunities for public recreation and expanded access to forest preserve lands. The property will be managed by DEC in conjunction with the adjoining State-owned forest preserve lands that make up the Sundown Wild Forest.
The $4.2 million purchase was the State’s first land acquisition funded by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. This acquisition and others underway are part of the Governor’s ‘30×30’ Initiative to protect 30 percent of New York’s lands and waters by 2030.
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said, “As someone who’s had the opportunity to walk these trails and see the transformation firsthand, I’m thrilled to celebrate these major milestones for Ulster County and the Catskills.”
Image: NYSDEC website
