The MTA Has Little “Authority” Over Cell Tower Location

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The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and Wireless Edge are proposing the construction of a 170-foot tall tower to improve “critical public communication,” reported The Examiner. The project sparked a heated debate at a recent Town Board meeting.

Supervisor Richard Williams and Putnam County Legislator Ginny Nacerino opposed the first proposed site due to its proximity to a residential neighborhood. Williams and Nacerino countered with moving the tower back on Route 164 or constructing two smaller towers in an alternate location.

“If we had our way there wouldn’t be any more cell towers in the Town of Patterson,” said Williams. “Many of us feel that they are a blight on the landscape, myself included.”

The MTA is interested in constructing the tower near the Patterson Recycling Center property. According to an MTA official, the decision on whether to approve the site of the cell tower at the recycling center is up to the town board because it will be located on town property.

Wireless Edge President/CEO John Arthur told the town board the height of the proposed cell tower will be 166 feet. This height will allow Verizon and other carriers to co-locate on the tower.

The tower is intended to improve the communications system used by the MTA’s Police Department for the maintenance of the safety and security of the area. The MTA has been in discussions with the town about a new safety system for more than three years, reported The Examiner.

August 17, 2018

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