The proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at 26 Pearl Street has been under consideration by the Town of Bellingham for several years. The project has progressed through lease negotiations, local permitting, litigation, and ongoing public review.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Bellingham issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking renewable or clean-energy development for the town-owned property at 26 Pearl Street. Because the process began during the pandemic, many residents believe public awareness and participation were limited.
Later that year, a Special Town Meeting voted 40–3 to authorize the Select Board to lease the property for renewable energy development. This vote allowed the Town to negotiate a lease with a selected developer.
The Town entered into a long-term ground lease with Zero Point Development (now ZPB 2020-030 LLC) to pursue development of a Battery Energy Storage System on the property.
The Town later attempted to terminate the lease. The developer challenged that action in court, and the court ruled that the lease remains valid. The decision addressed only the lease—not whether the project should be permitted or constructed.
The developer began seeking the local permits required before construction could occur.
Planning Board
The Planning Board opened public hearings on the Development Plan. After reviewing the initial application, the Board voted to require an independent peer review before continuing the hearing.
Zoning Board of Appeals
The developer applied for a Special Permit under Bellingham Zoning Bylaw §240-25. After multiple public hearings, the Zoning Board denied the Special Permit, concluding the project did not satisfy the required criteria of the bylaw.
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission opened its review under the Wetlands Protection Act and the Bellingham Wetlands Bylaw. The Commission also voted to require an independent peer review before continuing its review of the project.
Following the denial of the Special Permit, the developer filed an appeal in the Massachusetts Land Court seeking to overturn the Zoning Board's decision. That litigation is ongoing and is separate from the Conservation Commission's review.
As the permitting process has continued, residents have become increasingly involved by attending public hearings, organizing community outreach, submitting comments, gathering technical information, and engaging environmental organizations, including the Charles River Watershed Association.
As of July 2026:
The ground lease remains in effect.
The Special Permit has been denied by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The developer has appealed that decision to the Massachusetts Land Court.
The Planning Board hearing remains open pending independent peer review.
The Conservation Commission hearing also remains open pending independent peer review.
Additional local and state approvals may still be required before any construction could proceed.