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A lithium battery storage facility could soon call DeSoto its home, but the proposed location has many residents in an uproar.

The Emerald Hill Energy Storage project is designed to store 250 megawatts of energy and is proposed to be located in DeSoto.

If approved, the proposal will place a lithium-ion energy storage facility near DeSoto High School and neighboring residential areas.

“This project would be located at southwest Westmoreland Rd. and Eagle Drive, it would be across the street from the high school,” said Alex Rohr, Manager of Community Affairs for Vesper Energy.  

“The reason that we’re in that area is because of that very large transmission line running through the area. We want to be close to that and that is generally what’s best to support grid reliability.”

Rohr spoke with The DeSoto Tribune and further explained that they also look at where there is available land, market demand, and proximity to major electrical infrastructure.

Safety Concerns:

As discussions surrounding the facility’s location continue, safety remains a top priority and concern for residents in the area and the city.

Lithium-ion Batteries can experience a Thermal Runaway Event, a phenomenon in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state, according to the Underwriters Laboratories Research Institute (UL Research Institute).

It refers to a self-sustaining, exothermic reaction within a battery that leads to a rapid increase in temperature and pressure which can result in a battery emitting toxic gasses, catching fire, or even exploding, according to Pyrophobic.com.

Storage for the lithium-ion batteries will be housed in special containers that must meet strict safety regulations, tests, and standards, including UL9540, UL 9540A, and NFPA 855.

The facility will also consist of a buffer, tree coverage, and a brick façade.

“We are planning a 50-foot-deep vegetative buffer along the northern boundary as well as a 25-foot-deep vegetative buffer on the eastern boundary,” said Rohr.

“Both would maintain and enhance the existing tree coverage along each border. There would also be a 6-8 foot brick façade around the battery storage containers,” explained Rohr.

Rohr went on to explain that the property would also maintain the existing walking path through the area and construct a sidewalk on the eastern boundary to help meet DeSoto’s goals of a more walkable community.

Community Outreach and Opposition:

The Irving-based company Vesper Energy has not yet submitted an application to the city but has been conducting community outreach to gauge public interest.

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As the Fourth of July quickly approaches, The DeSoto Tribune would like to wish everyone in the city of DeSoto and the Best Southwest area a happy and safe Independence Day.

Families across the state are gearing up to celebrate Independence Day with festive celebrations and delicious food.

Barbecues, parades, fireworks, and family gatherings mark the day, commemorating the 248th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

In cities and towns from coast to coast, residents adorned in red, white, and blue will gather for a day filled with traditional and heartfelt celebrations.

In the spirit of unity and community, the cities of DeSoto and Lancaster are hosting a grand Fourth of July Fireworks Show at Grimes Park.

This free event, running from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., promises to be a highlight of the summer.

Gates will open at 5:00 p.m., allowing families to secure their spots early for an evening of patriotic celebration and entertainment.

The event will feature an impressive lineup of live performances, headlined by The Bar-Kays featuring Larry Dodson.

Additional acts include the Natural Change Band, Dominique Hammons, and the GoGo Band, ensuring a vibrant and energetic atmosphere throughout the evening.

Children’s activities, games for all ages, and a variety of food vendors will add to the festive environment, providing something for everyone to enjoy.

As the day transitions into night, the excitement will build for the main event: a spectacular fireworks display set to begin at dusk.

The DeSoto and Lancaster communities, along with visitors from surrounding areas, are invited to join in the celebration at Grimes Park.

This event is an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history and the values of freedom, democracy, and unity while enjoying the company of neighbors, friends, and family.

The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate the American spirit and the enduring principles upon which the nation was founded.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, July 4
• Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Gates open at 5:00 p.m.)
• Location: Grimes Park, DeSoto, TX
• Performers: The Bar-Kays featuring Larry Dodson, Natural Change Band, Dominique Hammons, GoGo Band
• Activities: Children’s activities, games for all ages, food vendors
• Fireworks: Display begins at dusk

The post Happy 4th of July from The DeSoto Tribune appeared first on DeSoto Tribune.

CITY OF DESOTO
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City of DeSoto is designated as an Entitlement City and participates in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Grant (CDBG) Program. As a participant in the CDBG Program, the City of DeSoto is required to prepare and submit the FY 2024 Annual Action Plan which describes how the City will use its CDBG funds. The City of DeSoto anticipates receiving $273,973 in CDBG funds for the program period of October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025.

The City of DeSoto held a PUBLIC HEARING and initiated a CITIZEN COMMENT PERIOD on May 21, 2024 for the FY 2024 Acton Plan. The comment period will remain open through July 16, 2024. During this comment period, residents may complete a housing and community development needs survey or submit written feedback about the FY 2024 CDBG Action Plan. To access the electronic survey and for more information on the CDBG Action Plan and public comment process, please visit www.desototexas.gov/CDBG .

On June 14, 2024, a summary of the proposed FY 2024 Annual Action Plan was made available for review in electronic form via the City website
(www.desototexas.gov/CDBG) and is available in paper form in the DeSoto City Hall Atrium, located at 211 East Pleasant Run Road in DeSoto, Texas. Citizens will have 30 days to review the draft documents and submit comments.

Citizen comments about the FY 2024 Annual Action Plan should be submitted to the Office of Administration, City of DeSoto, 211 East Pleasant Run Road, DeSoto, Texas 75115 or e-mail to ewilliams@desototexas.gov . All citizen comments will be considered in preparing the final FY 2024 Annual Action Plan.

A second and final PUBLIC HEARING is scheduled for Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the City Council Meeting at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers in City Hall at Town Center after which the final FY 2024 Annual Action Plan may be presented to the DeSoto City Council for consideration for approval during the meeting or any regular City Council meeting thereafter.

The building is wheelchair accessible. Access to the building and special parking are available at the primary west entrance facing Hampton Road.

For more information about FY 2024 Annual Plan process, or to make disability accommodations, please contact Esther Williams at (972) 230-9690 or ewilliams@desototexas.gov.

The post CITY OF DESOTO NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FY 2024 Annual Action Plan July 16 appeared first on Focus Daily News.