The town of Mahwah, New Jersey has been talking potential tower locations for the past decade but it took a fifth official study of the matter to zero in on a location, NorthJersey.com reports. The latest study confirms the best location is still on Rozanski Lane on the Fire Company 3 property.
Constructing a 170-ft tower on the northwest corner of the lot was determined to be the best way to address a two mile wide deadzone in the township.
One alternate location was rejected as being too far north of the problem area. A second possible location would require a lengthy wetlands survey which would add another delay. The second site was also on Board of Education property. “I’m sure no one here knows where the cell towers are in this town,” said Bruce Eisenstein of Drexel Engineering. “These things eventually blend into the landscape.”
Einstein further explained the new tower would address poor cell service outdoors and in vehicles. He noted the study suggested that supplemental in home WiFi boosters might also be needed, especially in homes with aluminum siding and tall trees. Previous studies in 2006 and 2015 both recommended the Rozanski Lane location, though the original tower height was set at 150 feet. The newest report concentrated on current conditions rather than focusing on a 5G future.
Newly elected mayor John Roth called for the most recent study when he took office in November 2018. He referred to it as his “single most important priority.” A barometer of public sentiment, Roth won with his support of a new cell tower, which the previous mayor opposed.
February 15, 2019
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