With a 4-to-2 decision, the Connecticut Siting Council has approved a request by Verizon to construct a 100-foot monopole in Woodbridge. As the Woodbridge Town News reports, Verizon has stated that the Woodbridge North2 Facility “will provide improved wireless voice and data services in north-central portions of Woodbridge, where reliable wireless service is either lacking or non-existent today.”
Despite vigorous pushback from a small group of concerned neighbors, the Siting Council agreed with Verizon’s assessment. Upon approving the application, the Council noted, “the effects associated with the construction, maintenance and operation of a telecommunications facility…are not sufficient reason to deny the application.”
Opponents banded together to form the Newton Neighborhood Environmental Trust in hopes of swaying the Council to deliver a denial to Verizon. Undeterred, the Council considered its options and listened to testimony explaining why the Woodbridge site afforded the best coverage opportunity.
In its final determination, the Siting Council found that “the proposal would not cause unreasonable pollution, impairment or destruction of the public trust in the air, water or other natural resources of the state. The Council has considered all reasonable alternatives and finds that the proposal represents the best alternative consistent with the reasonable requirements of the public health, safety and welfare.”
Verizon has said it will take five to seven months to build the new cell tower. When completed, it will stand 100-feet tall, a reduction of the original proposal of 140-feet. Plans call for a 50×50 foot fenced enclosure within a 6-acre parcel. The site will also contain a propane-fueled back-up generator and a 500-gallon propane tank.
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