To the Editor:

I initially started writing this letter in response to Adam Greenberg's accusations of dishonesty in his letter published a couple of weeks ago [“Stop lying to voters, stop trying to break what we have built,” The Altamont Enterprise, Oct. 17, 2025]. However, upon reviewing my writing, I have decided to refrain from engaging in “mudslinging.” I will briefly defend myself later, but my main focus is on the residents of New Scotland.

I was aware that knocking on doors would be part of my campaign. I quickly learned that residents were unhappy about the battery energy storage systems (BESS) coming to town. The residents are upset about the units being placed in residential areas. Some residents did not want them at all, some did not want them in residential zones, and some disliked the lithium-mining process and its environmental impact.

The May 2024 law requires amendment, irrespective of the outcome of the election. All permits and applications should be frozen pending correction of discovered flaws. A primary flaw is the law’s failure to address system size adequately. While specifying Tier 1 and Tier 2 systems with a 100 kWh minimum, proposed installations are Tier 3 systems reaching 5 MW — fifty times the stated minimum. Installing such large systems, particularly those proposed for 37 and 128 Wormer Rd., within residential areas, is unacceptable.

A quick internet search for “what is a tier 3 battery storage system” provided this information:

A BESS exceeding 1MW is classified as “large-scale, utility, or industrial grade.” The New Scotland proposals all involve 5MW systems in residential zones. This oversight in the 2023-24 law needs correction before BESS installations proceed. Despite claims of being “the strictest in the state,” this law is inadequate. Industrial-sized equipment belongs in industrial, not residential, areas.

The BESS permits are all for locations away from the landowner’s primary property. It’s always in “someone else’s backyard,” never their own. This “not in my backyard” mentality is unacceptable. If they wouldn’t install a unit in their own backyard, they shouldn’t be allowed to install it in anyone else’s.

Now, moving on to my defense. I have only presented facts in all flyers, literature, and communications distributed to the residents of our town. Prior to this letter, I have never mentioned Adam Greenberg by name in any of my flyers or literature. (I have attached all flyers for the Altamont Enterprise editor to review.)

May 2024, the town board unanimously passed Local Law 1 of 2024, Regulating Battery Energy Storage Systems. This is a fact.

Sept. 2, 2025, the planning board meeting: New Leaf Energy filed special-use permits #644 and #645 to install three separate 5 MW BESS systems on the properties of Adam Greenburg at 37 Wormer Road and 128 Wormer Road. This is a fact.

Fifteen months after the law was passed, a sitting board member is applying to place three of these units on vacant land he owns. This is a fact.

This election is about what is best for the town, as all elections should be. The current town board wants to move forward “as is.” I think we should pause and take a closer look at this issue. Checks and balances are what’s needed.

Irrespective of the outcome of the election, the law still needs to be amended.

 Chris Mielke

New Scotland

Editor’s note: Chris Mielke is running for the New Scotland Town Board on the Republican and Conservative lines.