site of proposed battery plant at 1100 Saw Mill River Road-Google Maps
By Dan Murphy
A plan to create a Lithium-Ion Battery facility in Yonkers at 1100 Saw Mill River Road has been met with concern and opposition from the community. On April 14, the Homefield Homeowners Association held a meeting on the battery facility, and heard from County Legislator James Nolan, Councilman Anthony Merante and Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy.
Nolan first brought this issue to our attention through his social media post, and News 12 coverage of the Homefield Association meeting found residents saying that the proposed facility did not belong in their neighborhood.
Councilman Merante and Council President Collins-Bellamy also said they oppose the facility. Last year, the City Council passed a moratorium on any Lithium-ion battery facilities in the city. That one year moratorim is set to expire in July, which is perhaps why the applicant, Saw Mill River Energy Storage, decided to submit an application for development.
Council President Collins-Bellamy told News 12, “Not only are we listening, but we are taking action, and we are in this with you together. There was an RFP sent out for a consultant to provide a study, information that we think we already know about the hazards of having this facility so close to residential.”
Councilman Merante said, “I’m appreciative that Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy has joined me, along with County Legislator James Nolan, in opposing the construction of a lithium-ion battery storage facility in the Homefield residential neighborhood. A moratorium is currently in place while a comprehensive study is underway.
“The dangers associated with these facilities are well-documented, and as I outlined in my proposed City Council resolution, there is no justification for placing such a facility in a densely populated residential community like Homefield. I intend to do everything in my power to protect the safety and well-being of Homefield residents,” said Merante.
Legislator Nolan said, “Many are aware of the proposed lithium-ion battery facility in the Homefield section of District 15 in Yonkers. Given the potential risks associated with such facilities, there is a collective concern among our elected officials regarding this development. It is a unique opportunity for us to join forces and express our opposition to this project.
“I have been actively involved in advocating for the community’s safety by addressing this matter at the county, state, and federal levels. Yesterday, my office sent a letter to the property owner, respectfully requesting that they reconsider any plans to sell or lease the property to the developer. Our intent is to convey our concerns about the potential impact of this facility on the residents of Homefield, Yonkers, and neighboring areas.
“In the letter, I outlined our community’s position and the reasons for our opposition. I look forward to their response and hope to arrange a meeting to discuss this matter further. As your representative, I remain committed to advocating for what is best for our community, as it is essential for the well-being of all constituents in Yonkers and District 15,” said Nolan.
In March 2025, a proposed plan to build a massive 116-Megawatt Battery Plant on 95 acres on the Westchester-Putnam Border was withdrawn after opposition from the community.
