This week, residents of the historic artist community of Woodstock, New York expressed their concerns over a proposal by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), expanding installation of infrastructure that will bring 5G to the area.
According to the Daily Freeman News, under the state proposal, cellular antennas or repeaters could be placed on an “existing structure that is not listed on the national or state register of historic places” or located within a district with a designation from the state Register of Historic Places. However, residents are still concerned as the proposal limits the rights of towns to approve or deny the placement of mini cell towers.
“The mini cell towers will be installed every 300 to 400 feet on utility poles, in people’s yards, and in their homes,” resident Weston Blelock told the Daily Freeman News. “From the early 1900s to the present, Woodstock has been home to one of the oldest continuously operating artists’ colonies in the country,” he wrote. “However, the town of Woodstock is not listed in the national or state registers of historic places nor located within a district listed in the national or state registers of historic places.”
State officials see it differently. With co-location of antennas and repeaters on existing infrastructure, this can actually limit the number of new towers needed to provide 5G service, minimizing visual impact and construction of additional infrastructure.
Town Board members are encouraged to submit comments on the DEC proposal by today at 4:45 p.m.
May 19, 2017
Reader Interactions