How Three Millbury Planning Board Members Put Our Community’s Homes And Health At Risk
Millbury residents deserve to feel secure in their homes, investments, and future. Yet on September 11, 2023, a critical Millbury Planning Board vote by Bruce Devault, Paul Piktelis, and Tony Ngo shattered that trust. By approving a controversial battery energy storage system (BESS), they gambled with our health, property values, and financial security. A thermal runaway, fire, or explosion could contaminate the air, water, soil, food supply, and wildlife with toxic chemicals.
Even the developer’s attorney admitted that if a shelter-in-place order were issued, he and his family would leave the area immediately. That alone raises the question: if it’s not safe for them, how can it be safe for us?
Millbury’s fire department lacks the specialized training and equipment needed to contain a BESS fire. Standard firefighting methods rarely work against the extreme heat and chemical reactions these systems generate. Should a fire or explosion occur, it could spread uncontrollably, releasing toxins, forcing evacuations, and causing long-term contamination. These warnings were presented to the Planning Board before the vote. Three members ignored them and approved the project anyway.
At a recent meeting in their town, Oakham’s Fire Chief is calling out the hypocrisy and danger behind a massive lithium battery energy storage project proposed for his town. He warns it poses an unacceptable risk to residents, first responders, and even the drinking water supply for millions.
Health impacts from such incidents can be severe, including respiratory illnesses, skin and eye irritation, and even long-term risks like cancer or neurological damage. Contaminants entering the water supply could harm children, seniors, and anyone with existing health conditions.
Insurance and Financial Fallout
Loss of Homeowner’s Insurance
Insurers are increasingly reluctant to cover homes near commercial battery sites due to the risks of fire, explosion, and toxic release. This project could lead to insurers denying or excluding coverage for affected residents, leaving families financially exposed.Policy Cancellations
Existing policies can be canceled with little notice when risk levels rise. Communities near similar facilities elsewhere have seen sudden cancellations and skyrocketing replacement costs. The board ignored these precedents and the warnings presented.Mortgage and Refinancing Consequences
Federal lending rules require continuous insurance coverage. Losing it can trigger mortgage defaults, block refinancing, or drive potential buyers away. Other towns have already seen drops in home values and mortgage denials after BESS projects.
Failure of Oversight
Bruce Devault, Paul Piktelis, and Tony Ngo relied on the town planner and building inspector instead of conducting independent research. They approved the project without verifying safety data or financial impacts. Rubber-stamp decision-making has no place in public service. Millbury deserves board members who investigate, question, and protect the community they represent.
By contrast, Richard Gosselin and Fran DeSimone exemplified responsible leadership, asking hard questions and demanding accountability. Unfortunately, they were outvoted by colleagues who chose convenience over caution.
Misleading Claims and False Assumptions
There is no law prohibiting lithium batteries, and no battery type is fully free of risks such as thermal runaway, fire, or explosion. Any claims to the contrary, such as those made by Bruce Devault, are inaccurate. If he believes otherwise, he should present credible evidence. Bruce Devault has a history of presenting unfounded “research” as fact—stories more imagined than informed.
Relying on the former town planner’s unfounded belief that the developer is “ghosting” the town is equally reckless. Public decisions must be based on evidence, not speculation.
Inaction Is a Choice
Choosing to do nothing is still a decision—one that leaves Millbury exposed to unacceptable risks. If the facility is built as approved, damage to public health and safety may be irreversible. Waiting for disaster before taking action is negligence. True leadership means acting before harm occurs, not after.
What You Can Do
Demand transparency: Request explanations from all three board members.
Contact your insurer and lender: Ask how the BESS affects your coverage and mortgage.
Attend meetings: Call for public hearings and independent safety reviews.
Support a moratorium: Pause permits and construction until risks are resolved.
Vote: Elect candidates who prioritize community health and safety over convenience.
Final Thought
Approving a BESS in Millbury was not just a procedural error—it was a breach of duty to protect families, homes, and financial security. No individual should endanger their neighbors or diminish community safety for private gain. Responsible planning ensures that private interests never outweigh the well-being of the town as a whole. Millbury deserves accountability, transparency, and lasting protection.