In a bold stand against what they describe as a looming threat to public safety, Curtis Sliwa, Mayoral candidate and founder of the Guardian Angels, has joined forces with Public Advocate candidate and Bronx Conservative Party Vice Chairman Gonzalo Duran to oppose the construction of a lithium battery plant in the heart of a densely populated Bronx neighborhood.
The facility, currently being developed near the corner of Boston Road and De Lavall Avenue, has sparked outrage among residents and local leaders alike. The controversy stems not only from the hazardous nature of lithium battery storage and production, but also from the complete lack of public engagement or transparency surrounding the project.
“This isn’t just bad planning—it’s a betrayal of the community,” said Duran. “No one asked us. No one informed us. And now, a potentially explosive facility is being dropped into the middle of where our children live, where our seniors walk, and where our families make their homes. It’s unacceptable.”
Sliwa echoed those sentiments, calling the plant part of a “disturbing trend” in which city officials and private developers sideline public input in favor of expediency and profit. “We are seeing these industrial sites pop up across New York City—always in working-class neighborhoods, always without consultation, and always without concern for the health and safety of local residents,” he said.
A Hidden Danger in Plain Sight
While lithium batteries are crucial to the push for cleaner energy, experts warn they pose significant risks if mishandled or improperly stored. Fires at lithium battery facilities have been known to burn for days, emitting toxic fumes and overwhelming fire response teams. In a dense urban setting like the Bronx, such an incident could quickly escalate into a catastrophe.
“These aren’t theoretical dangers,” Duran emphasized. “These are real, documented risks—and yet we see no environmental impact assessments, no public hearings, no safety plans. Just bulldozers and silence.”
Advocate Stephanie Liggio, a vocal supporter of the community effort, underscored the broader implications of this development. “The residents of the Bronx are once again on the short end of the receiving side,” Liggio said. “We face increased grocery and energy bills due to the State House’s policies—and now their so-called clean energy strategy is bringing a dangerous, toxic warehouse into our neighborhoods. Should it catch fire, it could cause a major disruption for the surrounding districts, including residents of lower Westchester. Our safety and well-being should, for once, be placed above backroom deals.”
Balancing Progress with Accountability
Both Duran and Sliwa emphasized that their fight is not against clean energy, but against irresponsible implementation and disregard for community welfare.
“There is a right way to move toward a greener future,” said Duran. “And it starts with including the people who live here. Clean energy should never come at the cost of public safety. That’s not progress—that’s negligence.”
A Call to Action: The Bronx Rises Up
In response to the plant’s construction, Sliwa, Duran, Liggio, and a growing coalition of local leaders are organizing a public rally to demand a halt to the project until proper safety reviews, environmental assessments, and meaningful community engagement are conducted.
The Bronx Fights Back: Rally to Stop the Lithium Battery Plant
Location: Corner of Boston Road and De Lavall Avenue
Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m.
“This is our neighborhood. This is our fight,” said Duran. “We are standing up not just for the Bronx, but for every community in New York City that’s being ignored and steamrolled. Enough is enough.”
The rally is expected to draw residents from across the borough and beyond, including environmental advocates, health professionals, civic organizations, and elected officials united by one clear message: safety and transparency must come before profit and politics.
In closing, Duran stated, “Together, we are stronger. Together, we fight back. God bless the Bronx. God bless New York City. And God bless America.”
