Adoptions Archives - Canarsie Courier

March 8, 2025

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Fire and Fury Over NineDot Energy’s Lithium Battery Storage Plans Boils Over at Explosive Town Hall

NineDot Representatives Sam Brill and Anthony Santamaria have a laugh while irate residents question the safety and wisdom of this BESS site in their residential neighborhood

A firestorm of outrage ignited at Community Board 18’s special town hall meeting on March 6, as Brooklyn residents, civic leaders, and elected officials gathered in opposition to NineDot Energy’s controversial plans to install lithium-ion battery storage facilities in residential neighborhoods. The high-tension event, held at the CB18 headquarters on 1097 Bergen Avenue, was the latest flashpoint in an intensifying battle against the company’s attempts to establish Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in densely populated areas. Attendees from Queens also joined in solidarity. The meeting followed a tumultuous encounter at the Oasis Diner on February 11, where NineDot’s hastily arranged community outreach effort fell apart under fierce public scrutiny. The February 20th edition of the Canarsie Courier (Vol. 105, No. 8, p.14) captured the anger and confusion surrounding the project, but what transpired at Thursday’s town hall was, by all accounts, even more incendiary. Community Backlash: “We Don’t Want This in Our Neighborhoods” With tensions already at a boiling point, the revelation that NineDot had initially backed out of the meeting—only reversing course after public outcry—fueled suspicions that the company was attempting to sidestep accountability. CB18 Chairwoman Naomi Hopkins minced no words in a scathing letter to NineDot, calling their refusal to engage “insulting” and a clear indication that they had “fundamentally misunderstood or disregarded” the community’s role in such developments. In front of a packed room, Hopkins reaffirmed the board’s position: “While you have made it clear that NineDot has the legal right to develop this project, rights come with responsibilities. When a development causes such widespread distress and concern, the very least you can do is listen.” Sue Ann Partnow, district manager and key organizer of the townhall, was also acknowledged in a letter from Assemblymember Jaime Williams, who thanked both her and Hopkins for their unwavering dedication to the community. The town hall was a bipartisan battlefield, with political party lines erased in favor of a unified front against NineDot’s plans. Indeed sparks were flying, as an unsettled and cantankerous crowd shouted down the NineDot reps. Among the notable attendees was Republican mayoral candidate and longtime Canarsie resident Curtis Sliwa, who spent nearly two hours listening before delivering a fiery rebuke of the project. “Are you out of your freaking minds?” Sliwa bellowed, drawing thunderous applause. “We remember the toxic waste dumps that poisoned generations in this borough. As a Canarsie resident, I stand in solidarity with the community against this.” NineDot Reps Scrutinized Over Safety Claims Representatives Sam Brill, VP of Strategic Development, and Anthony Santamaria, VP of Construction, from NineDot Energy were present to give a presentation, attempting to reassure the crowd that the lithium battery storage facilities were safe. In a comparison that was met with immediate backlash, they likened the BESS units to the lithium batteries found in everyday cell phones. They also claimed the facilities would have built-in redundancy, 24/7 monitoring, and surveillance—though they would remain unmanned. Residents pushed back forcefully, arguing that these assurances were insufficient. There was no outlined safety or evacuation plan in the event of an emergency, nor were there any guarantees of compensation for homeowners who could suffer damages due to potential fires or plummeting real estate values. Fire Safety Concerns: No Clear Answers Adding to the tension, fire chiefs in attendance were unable to provide clarity on how the FDNY would handle a potential lithium battery fire. Residents pointed out that local fire officials seemed to contradict some of NineDot’s safety claims. The stark reality emerged: FDNY’s official policy on lithium battery fires is to “let it burn,” a statement that left the audience visibly alarmed. “A Loophole to Avoid Oversight” Another focal point of community outrage was the apparent effort to circumvent stricter regulatory oversight. Assemblymember Jaime Williams highlighted that NineDot’s proposal strategically keeps each site’s energy capacity just below the 25-megawatt threshold that would trigger heavier scrutiny. “It’s a loophole. Plain and simple,” Williams charged. “If you exceed 25 megawatts, you face real regulation. By staying under, they’re gaming the system and putting our safety at risk.” Williams further announced a key victory: NineDot had withdrawn its proposal for a battery storage site at 965 Remsen Avenue in Canarsie. While she noted this as proof that community voices could influence the process, she warned that continued vigilance was necessary to halt the Flatbush Avenue project. A Project Too Close for Comfort Local resident Claudia Cohen and her husband, who have been featured in multiple news reports, voiced deep concerns that one of the proposed sites along Flatbush Avenue directly abuts their home. Another young mother, cradling her infant, shared that her house is located right next to the site, underscoring the risks posed to families living in immediate proximity. Elected Officials and Community Leaders Stand United Representatives from Senator Roxanne Persaud’s office, as well as newly elected Assemblyman Kalman Yeger’s office, were present to observe and take part in the discussion. Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse made her stance clear: “We have to stand together. We don’t want this in our community, and we’re going to continue to fight.” Frank Seddio, a longtime Brooklyn political leader, weighed in, stating: “This is about common sense. You don’t put hazardous energy storage in the middle of a neighborhood where people live, where children play, where families go to school and worship.” Also in attendance were Ronny Canterino from New Yorkers First and Brenda Lee from New York Voices for Change, both of whom have been vocal in rallying opposition against NineDot’s plans and advocating for increased community awareness. Staten Island Joins the Fight The resistance against NineDot has extended beyond Brooklyn’s borders, with Staten Island activist and artist Scott LoBaido attending in solidarity. LoBaido, who has been spearheading opposition to a similar NineDot project in Staten Island, vowed to unite both boroughs in the fight. “Brooklyn and Staten Island are coming together on this,” he declared. “We will not allow this to happen in our neighborhoods.” A Movement Gains Momentum The town hall concluded with a renewed commitment from community members and elected officials to block the project. Plans are already underway for continued protests, legislative efforts, and potential legal challenges. “This is far from over,” Hopkins assured the crowd. “We will not stop fighting until our neighborhoods are safe.” With tensions escalating and public resistance growing stronger, NineDot Energy now faces a community unwilling to back down. The battle over Brooklyn’s BESS facilities is just beginning, but one message came through loud and clear: South Brooklyn refuses to be ignored.

Curtis Sliwa meeting with concerned residents as they enter CB18.

Curtis Sliwa with owners of Salvi Restuarant, located near the proposed site.

Packed crowd of concerned residents at Town Hall.

NIneDot slide – community less than convinced that this development is “safe.”

Resident and her baby living near proposed BESS site.

Relentless patriot Scott LoBaido comes from Staten Island.

Assemblywoman Jaime Williams questions NineDot reps.

Curtis Sliwa makes his case before CB18.

February 25, 2025

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Community Uproar Over NineDot Energy’s Lithium Battery Storage Plants in Marine Park

Empty lot and future site of second Lithium-Ion storage plan at 2118 Flatbush Avenue.

Marine Park – The neighborhood erupted in controversy after residents discovered that energy company NineDot Energy had already begun construction on two lithium-ion battery storage facilities along Flatbush Avenue. The facilities, located at the site of the former Lighting Palace (2138-2148 Flatbush Ave) next to Frank’s Pizzeria, and (2118 Flatbush Ave), near the Oasis Diner, are being built in the middle of a dense residential and commercial area, raising serious safety and economic concerns among locals. The revelation came as a shock to many, as NineDot organized a meet-and-greet event at the Oasis Diner only after permits had been granted, ground had been broken, and construction was well underway. What the company seemingly anticipated as a friendly Q&A session turned into a heated and contentious meeting, with standing-room-only attendance and angry residents demanding answers. At the meeting, residents voiced strong opposition, citing incidents involving lithium-ion battery fires in New York City. The FDNY has warned about the dangers of these batteries, as malfunctions can lead to uncontrollable fires and toxic gas emissions. While NineDot insists that their facility is safe and follows stringent regulations, locals remain skeptical, especially given past incidents of battery-related fires – which NineDot states is being improperly compared to their FDNY approved project. Attending the event were Donald Cranston from Assemblymember Jaime Williams’ office, District Leader and CB18 board member Sue-Ann Partnow, several civic leaders from local and surrounding associations, and members from New Yorkers First committee. Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse also present, later issued a statement condemning the lack of transparency and community engagement, emphasizing the need for safety and public trust. As brought up by Cranston and other attendees in the meeting, NineDot already had an energy storage project site underway at 15-21 Tillman St. in Staten Island, where they attempted to sell it to the community as a way to "support a more resilient grid in your community." However, that facility faced strong opposition, leading elected officials to place a moratorium on the site. Residents there also reported noise complaints from miles away, and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fosello expressed serious safety concerns, stating, "And it’s not just the fires, it’s the toxic fumes. How in good conscience can we build these facilities directly next to people’s homes?" Now, this is exactly the same pattern here in Marine Park, Brooklyn. That community started a petition, just as this one. Another notable well-documented incident was mentioned, where a fire erupted at the Gateway Energy Storage facility in Otay Mesa San Diego California, highlights the hazards associated with lithium-ion battery energy storage. During discussions about the Staten Island facility, NineDot representatives gave murky answers, even going as far as to say, "That’s not us." The absence of advance notice only deepens local skepticism, and many demanded to know why they weren’t approached and the community informed before they even acquired the site, if the company was interested in building consensus. Marine Park residents have also raised concerns about a lack of transparency from NineDot Energy, claiming that community engagement has been insufficient. Many say they were blindsided by the proposal and that crucial details about the project's risks were not adequately disclosed. Elected officials, including Assemblymember Jaime Williams, joined the opposition, emphasizing that the safety of residents must come first, and initiated a petition to stop the Marine Park facility, which residents are encouraged to sign: https://tinyurl.com/StopLithiumPlantAD59 Williams recently wrote a letter to NineDot, in which a she received a reply stating “we are committed to being good neighbors.”, and in sync with the State’s 2030 goal of energy storage and “why the city has encouraged growth of energy storage development – including by amending the Zoning Resolution to allow our development as-of right basis in these and other similar locations.” This appears to be a direct result of the "City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality" component, which was passed into law, by the NYC Council and Mayor Adams, and aims to facilitate the development of distributed energy across the city. (See The Marine Park facility is part of a broader push to expand green energy storage solutions across New York City. Proponents argue that such facilities are crucial for transitioning to renewable energy, reducing strain on the grid, and preventing blackouts. However, opponents argue that these projects should not be placed in densely populated residential areas, where risks to public health and safety are greater. Community activists have called for alternative locations, such as industrial zones, to be considered instead of residential neighborhoods. The debate over the facility continues, with a key Community Board 18 meeting at 1097 Bergen Avenue, scheduled for March 6 at 7:00PM, expected to draw significant turnout. Residents and elected officials remain firm in their demand for a halt to the project, urging decision-makers to prioritize community safety over corporate interests.

Angle view of the now closed Lighting Palace and adjacent store, site of Lithium-Ion Storage Plant next for Frank's Pizzeria

Permits posted on the site of 2118 Flatbush Ave

September 24, 2024

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Floyd Bennett Field Lease Renewal Sparks Community Outrage as Government Disregards Its Citizens

The recent renewal of the Floyd Bennett Field (FBF) lease, permitting the site to house over 2,000 migrants for another year, has provoked widespread outrage among community members and local leaders. Despite months of protests, petitions, and rallies, the State and Local administration has extended the lease, a move that many say disregards the voices and concerns of residents from neighborhoods like Marine Park, Canarsie, Mill Basin, Bergen and Gerritsen Beach. Assemblymember Jaime Williams, who has been at the forefront of the opposition, expressed her frustration with the city’s decision. "This ill-advised decision to place men, women, and children in a dangerous flood zone with no resources is no less unconscionable today than it was when originally conceived," Williams stated. She pointed out the overwhelming community objection, noting that over 5,000 people signed a petition against the renewal. "Our community and surrounding neighborhoods came out in force, but our objections were ignored by city and state leaders." At a recent rally to oppose the lease renewal, Assemblymember Michael Novakhov also voiced his frustration with the city’s handling of the crisis. "The renewal of the lease at FBF to house illegal migrants is a slap in the face to our community," Novakhov said. "Despite overwhelming opposition from residents, the city and state continue to pour taxpayer dollars into a failed, short-term solution. We've already spent over a billion dollars with no clear plan for an end to this crisis. Our priority should be addressing root causes, not perpetuating policies that burden our neighborhoods." Former Councilmember Ari Kagan, another attendee at the rally, criticized the misuse of FBF, which was originally designated as a recreational space, where the city has sunk over a billion dollars of taxpayer money. "FBF was never meant to serve as a shelter for illegal migrants, and renewing this lease disregards the voices of local residents, and time to listen to our citizens who care deeply about public safety and fiscal responsibility," Kagan said. Ron “Ronbo” Canterino, Chairman of New Yorkers First and the Coalition for Better Communities, discussed the community’s ongoing efforts to oppose the renewal “ it is a blatant disregard for the community’s united opposition. FBF is not equipped for housing and is not safe for anyone to live in, especially during the winter when it floods. It’s a national park, not a shelter," he said, adding concerns about safety, illegal activity, the destruction of the local environment and threats to the communities. Bren Lee, founder of the STOP FLOYD BENNETT ILLEGAL MIGRANTS Facebook group, echoed the sentiments of the other speakers. "The decision to renew this lease without considering the voices of those who call this place home is a profound disappointment and a new level of disrespect, reflecting major disregard for the fabric of our community, As the lease renewal moves forward, the community remains committed to fighting what they believe is an unjust and unsafe use of the park's natural resources, and has turned their neighborhoods into migrant havens at the cost of taxpayers.

May 13, 2024

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Product Tester

Atlas Marketing Research is a leading market research company known for its expertise in collecting and analyzing consumer insights. We are currently seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Product Tester to join our team. As a Product Tester, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and performance of products before they hit the market. This is a great opportunity for individuals who enjoy staying up-to-date with the latest trends and have a passion for providing valuable feedback that shapes the development of consumer goods.

Responsibilities
Evaluate products and provide detailed feedback on their design, functionality, and performance
Conduct thorough product testing to identify any defects or areas for improvement
Follow structured testing procedures to ensure consistency and accuracy of results
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product development, marketing, and research to provide insights for product improvement
Keep detailed records of testing procedures, results, and observations
Stay updated on industry trends and advancements to provide meaningful feedback based on market realities
Participate in brainstorming sessions and meetings to provide input on product design and feasibility

Requirement
Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Proven experience in product testing or market research
Strong attention to detail and ability to adhere to testing protocols and guidelines
Excellent analytical skills and the ability to provide accurate and actionable feedback
Familiarity with market research techniques and methodologies
Knowledge of consumer behavior and market trends
Ability to work independently and within a team environment
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
Proficient computer skills and experience using relevant software and tools
Flexibility and adaptability to changing project priorities and deadlines

Benefits:
• Excellent weekly pay
• Safe work environment
• Multiple shifts are available from early morning to night and no experience is required
• You will have ample opportunity for growth
• Part-time offered - choose the days you wish to work

March 5, 2024

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SECTOR C GETS LESSONS IN CRIME PREVENTION AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

The first Build the Block meeting for Sector C was held om February 29th, at Church at The Rock, 1288 East 92nd St. Chaplain Faith Williams opened the meeting with a prayer for the safety of the Officers and everyone present. NCOs Gunvinder Singh and Carlos Delgado were joined by Crime Prevention Officer Peter Yuen in conducting the meeting. Officer Singh updated everyone on crime statistics for Sector C which, according to his report, was doing quite well overall. He said year to date, there had been one shooting at a deli on Flatlands and 82nd which, thankfully, was not fatal. Grand theft auto continues to be a major problem. Officer Singh urged everyone to ensure their vehicles, especially Kias or Hyundais, 2012-2022 turn-key models, are always secured. He strongly suggested using tracking devices to be able to locate vehicles in the event they are stolen. Officer Yuen reiterated the need to exercise due diligence when responding to unsolicited calls from unknown individuals. He said scammers continue to “up their game” and warned everyone to be cautious about responding to calls requesting money for any reason. “Don't rush,” he advised. “Make a phone call and verify that your loved one has been arrested before sending money for their release.” The Crime Prevention Officer also offered tips on how to stay safe while riding the bus or train late at night. “Remember safety comes first. Stay in groups and minimize the chances of anything bad happening to you.” Yuen also shared that between 10pm and 5am, if requested, bus drivers are permitted to drop passengers off at a stop other than a bus stop, if they deem it to be safe. He also suggested riding in train cars with the motorman or conductor, even if another car might be more convenient for you when you reach your stop. Officer Yuen also suggested moving wallets from back pockets to the front or even taking similar items out of your handbag and securing them elsewhere. He advised being discreet with jewelry. “Turn rings around so the stone doesn’t show.” He also recommended teaching young children how to dial 911 and that everyone should make a practice of notating the address where they are so that that information could be relayed in case of an emergency. Elba Melendez, Borough Coordinator at CERT, gave a rundown on how to prepare for an emergency. Some tips provided were to pack “go bags” for each member of the family. Include copies of important documents, names of medications, water and snacks. Also include crayons that could be lit in case there are no candles.