THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026 Page 9 APPROVES | FROM Page 1 make sure the city’s conditions on fi nancing and public safety are met. Mayor Keefe said the value of the two agreements is $43 million over 20 years. He added that the property on Muzzey Street currently generates $75,000 in property taxes. If or when the facility begins operating, in the fi rst year the city will collect $600,000 through the community host agreement and $1.6 million through the pilot agreement. The community host agreement calls for investment in fi re apparatus and training, deposits to the high school stabilization fund and modest investments to support energy sustainability in the city. Flatiron has also agreed site will be 100 percent union labor built. “We worked to make sure we are getting the maximum benefi t,” said Keefe. “We pushed the envelope as much as we could.” The BESS, like solar structures, is understood to be protected under the state’s Dover Amendment, which means it could be developed by right without any restrictions from the city. Keefe urged the council to approve the agreements before state law makes them ineff ective. Neighboring communities are also looking at BESS facilities and their potential benefi ts. Captain Kevin O’Hara of the Revere Fire Department, president of fi refi ghters’ union 926, spoke in favor of the BESS system during the public comment segment of the City Council meeting. O’Hara said he was initially opposed to the project because of several BESS failures he had read about. But after months of research, conversations with fi rst responders who deal with BESS systems and a stint of training in Nevada, O’Hara said, he is confi dent that local fi refi ghters can provide adequate public safety for the neighborhood and the city. O’Hara said BESS systems have evolved signifi cantly over the past few years, particularly in regard to safety and emergency responses. Residents Michael Morgan and Brian Singer also spoke in favor of the project, with Singer calling it “modern, green and economical.” Councillor-at-Large Michelle Kelley acknowledged the work that went into the agreements and the benefi ts secured for the city, but she had questions and recommendations. Kelley requested a site-specifi c plume dispersion modeling and associated emergency response planning be prepared to evaluate smoke and potential airborne contaminant impacts under various scenarios. The tests will give fi rst responders and the public a clear understanding of the impacts and response measures. Kelley also proposed that $60,000 per year for 15 years be set aside to assist senior and moderate-income residents with water and sewer bills. Kelley also recommended a onetime $100,000 donation to support programs and services at the senior center. She also called for a neighborhood benefi t contribution for the Ward 6 neighborhood. “Given the size, location and anticipated duration of this facility, I respectfully suggest a one-time neighborhood benefi t contribution of $500,000.” “Funds could be used for park improvements, pedestrian and sidewalk enhancements, recreational facilities, beautifi cation projects, environmental improvements or other community needs,” she said. “The neighborhood will bear the brunt of the construction, traffic and trucks,” she said. “I would love it if this could at least be entertained.” Kelley also said Flatiron needs to meet with the council and provide a full presentation of the project. She did not vote to approve the community host agreement and the pilot agreement, she voted present. She said she felt it was important to hear from Flatiron before approving the agreements. Ward 6 Councillor Chris Gianinno agreed there needs to be a community meeting presenting the project to the public. Giannino said new technology can be scary and a public meeting would dispel any misinformation residents are gathering from dubious online sources. “Flatiron wants to hold a meeting in the neighborhood,” Keefe said. “They can get to the council as soon as the July meeting. They want to be part of our community.” If Flatiron continues through the permitting process as planned, it will be about two years before the BESS system is up and running. FUN-damental Basketball Camp Open to Boys and Girls in Local Area T he FUN-damental Basketball camp, open to boys and girls in local area cities and towns, will be held July 20-24, 2026, at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center, located at 51 Summer Street in Everett. The camp will take place between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for boys and girls entering grades 3 through 8 as of September 2026. The cost of the camp is $125.00. Tony Ferullo, boys’ varsity basketball coach at Mystic Valley Reginal Charter Schol in Malden, will be the Camp Director. The purpose of the camp is to: provide all campers with the fundamental tools to help them become better basketball players; create a positive atmosphere where the camper will learn and have fun at the same time; instill the spirit of the game into all campers; and inspire them to continue playing the game either competitively or just for fun. Each camper will receive a camp T-shirt and certificate, and participate in various drills, scrimmages, and individual contests. Special guests will speak and share their personal basketball tips and experiences. An awards ceremony will take place on the last day of camp, and parents and friends are welcome to attend. For more information about the FUN-damental Basketball Camp, please contact, Camp Director Tony Ferullo at 857-3127002 or tferullo099@gmail. com.
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