Plymouth Board of Health to Probe Battery Storage Fire Risks Near Town Homes and Bogs

PLYMOUTH — April 1, 2026 — Plymouth Board of Health learns new 26-unit family shelter is open and hears alarm on battery storage fire risk. At the April 1 meeting, a representative identified as Suzanne described the recently opened congregate shelter at 54 Industrial Park Road, which can house 26 families under a state rule — the Garcia Amendment — requiring homeless placements within 20 miles of a family's home community; she noted the state now caps shelter stays at six months, down from a historical norm of a year to eighteen months. Public Health Director Karen reported that the division processed 2,374 permits, 559 food inspections, and 367 complaints in 2025, and announced that Assistant Director Margaret Coe has earned lead determinator status. Board member Barry, citing a Massachusetts Association of Health Boards conference presentation showing a days-long lithium battery fire that trapped a neighboring nursing home, said Plymouth hosts several Battery Energy Storage Systems facilities — including one of the state's largest, roughly 15 minutes from downtown — and that current permitting excludes the Board of Health entirely; the board agreed to invite the Plymouth Fire Department and zoning officials to a future meeting to discuss oversight gaps. The ARISE opioid settlement grant RFP process opened April 1 and runs through May 1 for registered nonprofits serving Plymouth residents.