Bellingham board denies battery storage system at Pearl Street
Bellingham rejects battery storage facility on town industrial site. The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-1 to deny a special permit for a battery energy storage system at 26 Pearl Street, with Chairman Peter Gabrielle and member Elizabeth Berthelette voting to deny and member Rayan Shamas voting in
Zoning Board · Meeting of May 7, 2026
Bellingham rejects battery storage facility on town industrial site. The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-1 to deny a special permit for a battery energy storage system at 26 Pearl Street, with Chairman Peter Gabrielle and member Elizabeth Berthelette voting to deny and member Rayan Shamas voting in opposition. Applicant Tom Corbit argued the facility would meet state model bylaws for safe operation and generate no traffic impact when operational.
Residents presented a petition containing approximately 300 signatures, citing concerns about proximity to the Charles River, potential groundwater impacts, and neighborhood character. The board also continued a hearing on a mixed-use conversion at 15 Moody Street to June 4, 2026.
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Source: the Zoning Board meeting of May 7, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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