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Overview: Proposed battery storage facility is no more
As the plans plodded toward a city council decision, the manager had little to report because site developer EnerSmart Storage had not submitted any new information to the city since 2023.
Councilwoman Laura Lothian inquired about the proposed 18-megawatt battery storage facility at 8135 El Paso St. during her discussions with the city manager of La Mesa.
Lothian helped to continue the struggle against a project that was opposed by the majority of the community.
As the plans plodded toward a city council decision, the city manager had little to report because site developer EnerSmart Storage had not submitted any new information to the city since 2023.
Lothian finally received the update she and many other La Mesa residents had been waiting for on July 30. The project was withdrawn by EnerSmart Storage.
She instantly replied with a YAHOO email in all caps and purple letters!
I’m content. Lothian stated over the phone that the neighborhood is thrilled.
Although Lothian was the only one to publicly celebrate, she imagines that her fellow council members are also feeling relieved.
Project controversy
The project matched public safety concerns against the objectives of the climate action strategy.
Electric grids can become more resilient to power disruptions by installing battery storage facilities.
Storage facilities transfer solar and wind power generated throughout the day to be used during evening peak hours as alternative power sources gain popularity.
The emerging technology is far from flawless, though. Otay Mesa, Valley Center, and Escondido are all experiencing fires. Fires caused by chemicals are hard to put out.
While the fire in Otay burned itself out over several weeks and released harmful toxins into the atmosphere, fire officials kept an eye on the situation.
When Lothian visited the ongoing fire, she noted the site was in the middle of nowhere.
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The intended La Mesa plant was surrounded by homes and businesses; in the event of a fire, Murray Manor Elementary School would have to be evacuated.
There is 100 feet of defensible space between the facility and the SDG&E electric sub-station across the street, which is what the facility was originally intended to be close to. Residents were concerned that the empty site, which was only 22,000 square feet, would not provide enough insulation for the surrounding residences and businesses.
This is a win for common sense and our community. In a statement, neighbor Amy Reichert stated, “Firefighters warn that battery storage facilities do not belong near homes and schools and now our families and pets are safe.”
A request for comment from the La Mesa Courier was not answered by EnerSmart.
The corporation informed CBS 8 that the plans were canceled because we were unable to participate in resource adequacy because of local transmission limitations. Revenues were impacted, therefore the project just didn’t work out.
Residents made their voices heard
The developer backed down, according to the locals, in part because of the vociferous and persistent protest.
Lothian held a town hall at Brew Coffee Spot with a large turnout of city and fire authorities.
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More than 1,000 people signed the petition that Teri Hoffman created. Hoffman also set up pages on social media to express opposition to the idea.
It really seems impossible when you are facing someone who is wealthy and well-off. Hoffman noted that the developer’s decision to simply remove out his program was excellent. The finest part was that.
Zigan Properties L.P. still owns the property.
Residents believe that the long, empty site can still be developed in private hands to benefit the community, perhaps by adding a daycare center.
It might be turned into a park if it were sold to the city.
For the time being, the abandoned building serves as a gathering place for homeless people.
Lothian acknowledged that it was a bit of an eyesore.
