Neighbors in the Homefield neighborhood of Yonkers are concerned about a possible lithium-ion battery storage facility that would be built nearby. "This is something we don't want in the neighborhood," says resident Kate Akhareyi. "To have them so large, I mean in a storage in residential areas, pretty dangerous, scary," says resident Bobby Devlin. The proposed facility would be built at 1100 Saw Mill River Road. For now, the plan is on hold due to a moratorium that was put in place last June, that is set to end this summer. "The pressure is on because the moratorium is almost done," says Anthony Merante, Yonkers City Council member. Merante is proposing new restrictions on lithium-battery storage sites. "This should not be anywhere, at a minimum, no less than three miles away from commercial property, no less than five miles away from residential homes," he says. The five miles away criteria also would apply to schools, hospitals and water sources. His proposal also includes requirements for advanced safety measures, advanced firefighting systems, industrial zoning only and secondary containment requirements.

Residents are concerned about the risk of fires. "We don't need fire in this neighborhood," says Akhareyi. The mayor’s office says the battery facility was proposed by Saw Mill River Energy Storage, which has the same address as New Leaf Energy.

News 12 reached out to New Leaf and are waiting to hear back.