Recently, a 15-story cell tower project, led by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) in collaboration with the New York State Police and the state Department of Homeland Security, was constructed next to a playground for low-income kids. MTA officials noted it was needed for better communications during emergencies. Lohud reported that to finance the tower on MTA property, there are plans to rent the monopole to private wireless carriers…and residents are not pleased.
The tower plan is a win-win for the wireless industry, since the MTA is exempt from municipal taxation as well as local zoning, which is how the tower was allowed to be constructed so close to the playground.
“It improves cell connectivity for people in town and helps defray the costs the MTA has had for this project,” said MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan.
Residents are upset by the location of the tower near the Hudson River, which is blocking views, and that it will be a revenue generator for the MTA. “I don’t think they were honest about it,” said resident Peter Bartolacci. “It was framed as an emergency communications need. We weren’t told it would be a moneymaker for the MTA.”
The community is also resentful over lack of communication around the tower. “The MTA told us three years ago that ‘we are doing this, and there is nothing you can do about it,’” said Mayor Drew Fixell. “There was never any hearings or real discussion.”
Attorney Keith Wofford, the Republican candidate for attorney general, weighed in, saying that the installation was an example of the MTA’s “tone-deafness and insensitivity to the community.” Civil-rights attorney Michael Sussman, the Green Party candidate for attorney general, said its placement so close to the low-income housing complex and playground was an example of environmental racism, reported Lohud.
Additionally, concerns abound over the lack of fall-zone space since the tower is only 30 feet from the playground.
September 28, 2018
