Saugus board votes to launch battery project review
The Saugus Planning Board voted to hire a peer-review consultant for a proposed 225-megawatt battery storage facility and continued the hearing to November 5.
Planning Board · Meeting of August 20, 2026
SAUGUS — The Saugus Planning Board voted to hire a peer-review consultant for a proposed 225-megawatt battery storage facility and continued the hearing to November 5. Flatiron Energy project manager Hannah Larkin told the board the Blacksmith Storage project at 1 Rear Pennsylvania Avenue would use 136 lithium iron phosphate battery enclosures on a leased parcel, with construction expected to start in 2029. Special Counsel Jesse Schumer said the board must determine whether the project qualifies for Dover Amendment protections under state law.
Saugus Fire training officer Corey Rutledge said water supply design "is what concerns me the most." In a separate matter, the board continued, 4-0, review of the planned Charcoal's Brazilian Steakhouse renovation at 266-268 Broadway to September 3, after engineer Scott Cameron and Schumer disagreed over whether zoning board variances are needed for parking and landscaping setbacks.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,797 words
Source: the Planning Board meeting of August 20, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
Members read the rest of this story and every Essex County meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this story
Know someone in Essex County who follows town government? Share Townbrief Essex County: they can sign up free.