Residents in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn are expressing concerns over a new electric vehicle charging station slated for installation across from PS 104. Many parents are questioning the potential fire hazards and health risks associated with the site, urging the city government to halt the project.
This charging station is planned to be located at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 92nd Street. The site, previously occupied by a KFC, was purchased by EVgo, one of the largest public electric vehicle fast charging networks in the U.S., for $5.3 million in 2022. Due to the city’s recent zoning amendments, the construction of such green energy facilities can proceed without community board review, allowing for expedited development.
According to a report by Crain’s New York, EVgo has submitted a request to demolish the former KFC but has not yet officially applied for a construction permit.
Concerned parents fear that the establishment of the charging station will worsen traffic around the already busy school and may expose children to radiation and fire risks. John Ricottone, Vice Chair of the District 20 Community Board, mentioned in a letter to the community, school staff, and city officials that the area has seen multiple hit-and-run incidents and pedestrian accidents in recent years. He criticized the decision to place an electric vehicle charging station in such a high-traffic and accident-prone area, calling it reckless and dangerous. He is advocating for a more thorough safety evaluation of the location and suggests that these types of facilities should be built in safer, more suitable areas.
Kevin Zhao, a member of the District 20 School Board, also expressed his concerns. Although the board has not yet met to discuss the issue, he acknowledged that traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times is already substantial, making the chosen site inappropriate. He mentioned that the board plans to reach out to the city’s Department of Education and the developer, as well as discuss strategies with the community board. He emphasized that there has never been a large electric vehicle charging station near schools in District 20, and the uncertainty surrounding this facility is a significant concern for parents.
According to publicly available data from the city’s Department of Education, there are currently 1,089 students enrolled at PS 104 for the 2023-2024 school year, with 23% identifying as Asian Pacific Islander.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/brooklyn-parents-call-for-halt-to-ev-charging-station-near-school-due-to-safety-concerns/
