Larry Ellsworth stepped down after many years of serving as our Chair. He has done a great job of steering the Committee, and his leadership will be missed. Luckily he will continue to be an active member!
Moving forward, Larry stressed that he hopes more members of the community will get involved in the Committee. There was some speculation that the upcoming administration inspire more activity.
We held elections. David Tarkowski, who was treasurer, was unanimously voted in as our new chair. Katie Peters was unanimously voted in as our new treasurer. Congratulations to both!
In Medway, most of us first learned of Battery Energy Storage Systems in 2021 when Able Grid proposed to build a large site on the Milford end of Route 109. After our failed attempts at stopping the construction of a Peaker Plant in Medway, the BESS project had the familiar feel of a freight train – that no matter what residents wanted, this project was going to be built.
In 2024, a second BESS project is proposed on Route 126 (Bellingham side) which also seems unstoppable.
Battery storage is a technology that enables power system operators and utilities to store energy for later use. A battery energy storage system (BESS) is an electrochemical device that charges (or collects energy) from the grid or a power plant and then discharges that energy at a later time to provide electricity or other grid services when needed. Several battery chemistries are available or under investigation for grid-scale applications, including lithium-ion, lead-acid, redox flow, and molten salt (including sodium-based chemistries). (*1)
The main objection many residents have is that the facility is too close to residents.
In August 2022, Medway Grid, LLC filed a petition with the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board to construct a 250MW/500 MWh stand-alone Battery Energy Storage Facility, including a new electric substation, on 10.6 acres of land at 49, 53, and 55 Milford Street. The project will also include a 345kV underground transmission line interconnection to Eversource Energy’s existing West Medway station.
The 109 BESS construction has begun. There has been a lot of discussion about the sound wall design.
Key Events in Medway
May 6, 2021 – Local BESS webinarorganized by State Representative Jeffrey Roy A battery energy storage system (BESS) is being proposed in Medway and questions have been raised about what it is, where it will be, and whether it is safe. The program, featuring five experts in the fields of energy and environment, provides a primer on BES technology and its role in the fight against climate change. The panel includes:
Dwayne Breger, the Director of the UMass Clean Energy Extension;
Elizabeth Turnbull Henry, President of the Environmental League of Massachusetts;
Coleen O’Brien, General Manager of the Reading Municipal Light Department;
Matt Paiss – Technical Advisor, Battery Materials & Systems, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory;
Kavita Ravi, Senior Director at BlueWave Solar.
May 2021 Town Meeting Vote Town Meeting voted to direct the Planning and Economic Development Board to conduct a review and study of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and to engage the services of consultants and other experts as may be necessary to provide information on all aspects of the operation, safety, security and technology of such systems, including the economic impact of a BESS facility if located in the Town of Medway, with a report to be completed by October 15, 2021 of the Board’s findings and recommendations, to include but not be limited to, consideration to potential amendments to the Zoning By-Law.
November 2021 Town Meeting Vote The November 15, 2021 Town Meeting voted to establish a moratorium (until 6-30-2023) on the establishment of battery energy storage facilities in Medway’s Energy Resource zoning district.
February 16, 2022 Best Practices for Medway’s Battery Energy Storage Systems Arup, the Town’s BESS consultant, gave a presentation on Best Practices for Medway’s Battery Energy Storage Systems.
May 20, 2022BESS Siting Guidelines Arup, the Town’s BESS consultant, provided a set of guidelines for siting battery energy storage systems. To View the Siting Guidelines report.
August 2022 – petition with the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board Medway Grid, LLC has filed a petition with the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board to construct a 250MW/500 MWh stand-alone Battery Energy Storage Facility, including a new electric substation, on 10.6 acres of land at 49, 53, and 55 Milford Street. The project will also include a 345kV underground transmission line interconnection to Eversource Energy’s existing West Medway station. Read the petition, along with attachments and related documents. Along with the peition, Medway Grid, LLC has also filed a Chapter 40a Filing with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, requesting an exemption from the operation of the Town of Medway Zoning Bylaws. Read the materials for the Chapter 40a filing.
The Medway town election went smoothly, thanks to the efforts of the Town Clerk, Stefany Ohannesian.
We had some special guests come by, including Senate President Karen Spilka and Rep. Jeff Roy, plus several members of Pipefitters Local 537 who carried signs supporting Jeff. And there were several spirited conversations with Select Board member Dennis Crowley and others.
Thanks to Larry and Carol for setting it all up, staying there ALL day and taking the booth down.
Also helping out were MDTC members Mark Lannigan, Mendy Tarkowski, Carol Ellsworth, Kathleen Yorkis, Paul Yorkis, Sue Rorke, Jen Pavlov, David Blackwell and Phil Fougere who gave very generously of their time and enthusiasm to make the event special. Well done!
It was also gratifying that Democrats swept the ballot in Medway. Turnout was a near-record 76% (8398 ballots cast out of 11067 voters in town)! Kamala Harris took 59% of the town’s vote for President, Elizabeth Warren took 53% for US Senate, Jim McGovern took 66% for US Representative, Jeff Roy took 62% for State Representative in precincts 2-4, and Tamisha Civil took 55% for Governor’s Council. A number of other races featured Democrats with no opponents. All in all, a good day for us here in town.
One hesitates to say we’ll be in survival mode from now on, but, maybe.
Election Results
Unofficial Medway results as of 8:30 p.m., November 5
There are five (5!) Ballot Questions on the November 5 ballot. MDTC held a forum with speakers for and against each question to help you understand them better.
The “action” begins at around the 20 minute mark.
The question descriptions below may be paraphrased. PLEASE read your booklet!
Question 1: Proposed law would specify that the State Auditor has the authority to audit the Legislature
In favor: former State Rep Jamie Belsito
Against: former State Auditor Suzanne Bump
Question 2: The proposed law would eliminate the requirement that students pass the MCAS in order to graduate.
In favor: John Rappaport
Against: Will Austin, Boston Schools Fund
Question 3: The proposed law would provide Transportation Network Drivers with the right to form unions
In favor: Joel Rivera, Pablo Ruiz, Patrick Cruzi – Yes on 3
No one
Question 4: The proposed law would allow persons 21 and older to grow, possess and use certain natural psychedelic substances in certain circumstances
In favor: Brennan Spencer, Yes on 4
Against: Chris Keohan
Question 5: The proposed law would gradually increase the minimun hourly wage an employer must pay a tipped worker over the next 5 years.
The MDTC, the Medway Republican Town Committee, the Franklin Democratic Town Committee and the Franklin Republican Town Committee co-hosted a debate between Democratic State Rep. Jeff Roy and his Republican opponent, Charles Bailey.
The debate was October 8.
Cappy Capozzoli, veteran from Medway, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The candidates made opening and closing statements, and Franklin DTC Chair Rachel Plukas and Medway RTC Chair Tim Harris asked questions of the candidates. Darrell Kulesza was the master of ceremonies, and Larry Ellsworth was the timekeeper.
Watch the Debate
The debate aired live and can be streamed on Medway Cable with captions. The debate begins at about 10:30 minutes in.
Franklin Matters also has a video that can be streamed with captions.
Questions
Massachusetts is considered one of the least transparent legislatures in the country. Constituents do not know who supports and opposes bills. Should all committee and full-body votes be documented roll call votes? What other specific changes would you support to open the legislative process? (1 minute)
The MBTA Communities zoning law requirements will significantly impact communities like Franklin and Medway. The additional units will strain our schools, police, fire, and infrastructure. Do believe this legislation is appropriate for Medway and Franklin? Why? What legislation would you propose to mitigate the financial impacts that each community will face? (1 minute)
Water supplies are increasingly testing positive for PFAS and other dangerous and forever chemicals. What new rules, practices, and programs can the state put in place to protect water supplies (examples: ban artificial turf, limit lawn chemicals, limit farming pesticides) and make it affordable and practical for municipalities? How will you support Medway and Franklin with respect to funding PFAS-related upgrades? (1 minute)
Do you support funding of programs for undocumented migrants in the Commonwealth? Why? (30 seconds)
There are now inequities in access and funding between vocational schools and comprehensive schools. Taking into consideration the need for a well-trained workforce, what actions would you propose to mitigate those inequities? (1 minute)
Medway and Franklin are both minimum-school-aid districts. As our State Representative, what actions would you take to support our schools in maintaining the high level of education that has been provided to students, and to attract and retain qualified teachers? (1 minute)
The Governor recently signed “An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws” that significantly updated the laws around guns and made them more stringent. Please explain your position on this Act. (1 minute)
Building new housing is costly and getting more so. Many factors cause this price rise including the cost of labor, materials, and land, plus environmental and other requirements placed on developers. Restrictive zoning also plays a part by reducing the number of sites for multifamily or mixed-use development. Seniors and young families are being priced out of the market. How would you tackle the problem of too-high housing costs? (1 minute)
Synthetic Turf fields are being constructed using taxpayer funds across the state. Health and safety concerns have been raised by many citizens of Medway and Franklin. Should these fields be regulated or even allowed by the state? (1 minute)
The current system for providing affordable housing is unsustainable. In addition, there is a shortage of affordable and accessible housing in Franklin and Medway. How would you address these issues to make housing affordable and accessible to all? (1 minute)
The Cannabis Commission has ruled that Host Agreements are no longer allowed and those in place must be terminated. In this case the Town of Medway would lose an anticipated $500,000 a year in revenue it currently receives. Did you support this ruling or would you vote to repeal this ruling? (1 minute)
Hospitals and other health care facilities are in crisis. Private equity, including the selling and renting back of the properties have gotten much of the blame for our state-wide crisis. What incentives, penalties, oversight and restrictions do you support to improve all hospitals and health care facilities? According to medicare.gov, two local nursing homes, Medway Country Manor and Cedarwood Gardens in Franklin, have a 2 and a 3 out of 5 rating. Specifically, what would you do to try to turn these two sites around? (1.5 minutes)
What are the three or four most important infrastructure issues facing the state, and specifically in our district? What specific actions would you propose to address them? (1 minute)
Communities like Medway are seeing an influx of energy projects driven by the state’s renewable energy goals. What should the state be doing to help mitigate the impact on these communities? (1 minute)
Franklin and Medway, like many communities, are planning much-needed municipal building projects like schools and police and fire stations. Rising costs and tight municipal budgets make it very difficult to allocate funds for these projects. What specific actions do you support to help municipalities fund and execute projects like these? For example, should the state have a Municipal Building Authority similar to the Mass. School Building Authority? (1 minute)
Do you support the legislation that gave the DPU the authority to overrule local by-laws in order to build battery storage facilities similar to the one being built in the town of Medway? If yes please explain why you support this legislation, which actually took away the rights of the local citizens by allowing the developers to bypass the approval of local planning and zoning boards. (1 minute)
Describe two situations: one, where you changed your mind on a significant issue after listening to opposing viewpoints; and two, a time when you had to make an unpopular but principled decision. (1 minute)
Photos
Tim, Darrell, Charles Bailey, Jeff Roy, Rachel and LarryJeff Roy, Tim Harris, Larry Ellsworth and Charles BaileyJeff Roy, Tim Harris, Larry Ellsworth and Charles BaileyJeff Roy, Tim Harris, Larry Ellsworth and Charles BaileyCappy CapozzoliCappy Capozzoli, Jeff RoyDarrell Kulesza, Master of CeremoniesLarry EllsworthLarry EllsworthRachel and TimCandidate Jeff RoyCandidate Charles BaileyRachel PulakasTimCandidate Charles BaileyCandidate Jeffrey RoyCandidate Charles BaileyLarry and DarrellCandidate Charles BaileyCandidate Jeff RoyDebate Committee: Monica, Lisa, Tim, Maria and Larry
Medway Democrats jumped right into action with their first standout in Milford on August 4.
From Mendy: “We had a blast standing out in Milford this morning with friends from towns all over the area. We’re feeling energized, excited, and hopeful!”
With no issues on the table, and no one needing a vote to get onto the ballot, the convention was inspirational speeches from state leadership. Elizabeth Warren did get voted in, but she was unopposed.
