The proposed 18-megawatt battery storage facility at 8135 El Paso St in La Mesa has officially been withdrawn, much to the relief of local residents and city officials.
EnerSmart Storage, the site developer, had not submitted any new paperwork since 2023, signaling a stagnation in the project that was met with widespread opposition from the community.
On July 30, Councilmember Laura Lothian received the update she and many residents had been hoping for: EnerSmart had pulled the proposal.
In a moment of enthusiasm, Lothian emailed her colleagues with the exuberant message, “YAHOO!” expressing happiness not just for herself, but for the neighborhood that had stood against the project.
The proposed facility sparked controversy, pitting climate action goals against public safety concerns.
Battery storage facilities are touted for their potential to enhance electric grid resilience during power outages.
As renewable energy sources grow in popularity, the storage of solar and wind energy collected during the day for later use becomes essential.
However, recent incidents involving battery fires in areas such as Otay Mesa, Valley Center, and Escondido raised alarm among residents.
Reports indicated that these chemical fires can be notoriously difficult to extinguish, with some burning for weeks and releasing toxic fumes.
Lothian saw the dangers firsthand when she visited an ongoing fire site, noting that those facilities can be located in remote areas while the La Mesa proposal was proposed in a densely populated neighborhood.
Concerns were amplified by the proximity of Murray Manor Elementary School, which could have required evacuation had a fire occurred.
Additionally, the SDG&E electric sub-station across the street boasted 100 feet of defensible space compared to the proposed facility’s mere 22,000 square feet, raising fears over inadequate safety measures for the homes and businesses nearby.
“This is a victory for our community and common sense.
Firefighters warn battery storage facilities do not belong near homes and schools, and now our families and pets are safe,” said resident Amy Reichert, celebrating the withdrawal of the proposal.
In a statement to CBS 8, EnerSmart indicated that the decision to withdraw was influenced by “transmission constraints in the area that prevented us from participating in resource adequacy.”
These constraints impacted revenue potential, leading to the conclusion that the project “simply didn’t pencil.”
Many residents believe that the sustained and vocal opposition played a crucial role in the developer’s decision to back down.
Lothian organized a town hall meeting that drew a significant turnout, demonstrating the community’s dedication to resisting the proposal.
Additionally, Teri Hoffman initiated a petition that garnered more than 1,000 signatures and leveraged social media to rally opposition against the plans.
“When you are up against someone with a lot of money and all that, it just seems like it’s impossible.
And so it was great of the developer to just pull out his application,” Hoffman said, expressing her satisfaction with the outcome.
Currently, the site remains owned by Zigman Properties L.P., and residents are hopeful for future developments that could enhance the neighborhood, such as childcare facilities or parks.
At present, the long-vacant lot has become an eyesore and a gathering spot for the unhoused.
“It’s a bit of an eyesore lot,” Lothian admitted, emphasizing the need for better use of the property as the community looks toward a brighter future.
image source from：timesofsandiego
