New York
A balloon test completed earlier this month assessed the visual impact of monopine tower on the Hammond Museum grounds in Hammond, New York. Verizon and Homeland Towers have applied to build a new cell tower, reports TapInto.net, but some residents oppose its construction.
The Hammond Museum and Japanese Stroll Garden was created, “as a foundation of support to promote global awareness and development of Eastern cultures with the West,” according to its website. Detractors claim that the intent and purpose of the museum would be violated by the addition of a tower that visible from the garden. Concerns about property values and noise were also cited.
If constructed, the proposition calls for a 115-foot tower described as a pine tree. The base structure would include panel antennas, an emergency generator, and a 1,000 gallon propane storage tank, all within a fenced area. An alternate 110-foot version rising in the parking lot instead of behind the garden was suggested. There is also a discussion afoot that would put an existing cell tower on Mountain Lakes property into full time use. It is currently used for emergencies only.
Raymond Vergati representing Homeland Towers, says that the Hammond Museum location is necessary to address a coverage gap in the area. He pointed out that a new tower could accommodate several carriers, further covering the gap situation. Of the Hammond Museum site, Vergati said, “We think it’s a great site because it’s set back, but everyone is entitled to their opinion.” Supervisor Warren Lucas is not enthusiastic about a new tower in the skyline, but acknowledged that bad cell reception is his town’s biggest complaint. “No one wants it next to their home, but everyone wants to use their cell phone,” he said. “I have more people calling me up [about bad reception] than people telling me, ‘I don’t want a tower.’” Zoning approval for the tower is pending. Comments? Email Us.
April 18, 2019
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