Homeland Towers has been approved to build two new towers in Mahopac, NY, but is still negotiating with the town to decide where to build them, reports TapInto.Net. Residents acknowledge the federal ruling that demonstrates a need for improved telecommunications in their town and suggested alternate sites that would allow construction to begin in a mutually acceptable location.
“Nobody in the community is against cell towers. We all know they are needed; there are dead spots in the town,” townsman Bob Buckley said. “What we are against is cell towers in residential communities.”
Buckley’s home happens to be near the proposed Croton Falls Road site. In accordance with local zoning laws, Homeland has presented with Mahopac Planning Board with two alternative locations for the second Dixon Road tower. The proposed sites have the dual advantage of being on public land, and at higher elevations which would allow a tower shorter than the original 157-foot version. “We haven’t discussed terms yet,” Supervisor Ken Schmitt said, “but if the town agrees with the proposal the benefit is that the town will get the revenue from the lease agreement and the money comes back to the taxpayers. Plus, it gets it out of the residential neighborhood, so it’s a win/win. But we are still in the exploratory stage. Homeland walked the sites last week with our engineer.”
The Croton Falls Road location is still under consideration. Other locations being reviewed are also in residential neighborhoods. “You would make one group of people happy,” Schmitt said, “but tick off another group.”
November 30, 2018
