The Woodstock, NY Planning Board is scheduled to hold a public hearing September 29) regarding an equipment upgrade on the town-owned tower. Hudson Valley One reported that Verizon Wireless wants to upgrade the town to 5G but the vibe is anything but laid back regarding the move. The town, synonymous with the legendary music festival held on Max Yasgur’s dairy farm* in 1969, is now considering 5G small cell placements city-wide.
^editor’s note: Yasgur’s farm was actually in Bethel, NY almost 60 miles away from Woodstock..
Some residents complained about “ill health effects from the next-generation technology.” The group “Stop 5G Woodstock” fears 5G equipment opens the door for denser antenna installations around town, including on utility poles and rooftops.
Verizon has nine existing antennas on the town’s tower, located on California Quarry, and three of the antennas (one on each side of the tower) will become 5G antennas. The 5G service will use the 600-900 MHz band, reported Hudson Valley One.
The company realizes it’s up against a town that’s not welcoming 5G and is prepared to cooperate. According to Hudson Valley One, the carrier is the first to disclose its intention to provide 5G service in the town and will answer questions from the 5G-wary public.
Amidst the coming of 5G, Woodstock is updating its zoning regulations to govern the placement of small cells. The proposed modifications limit sites to 60 feet high with a 300-foot setback from any residence or structure. The new regulations are under review with the Planning Board.
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