UDPATE Residents in Scotch Plain, NJ continue to express their dissatisfaction with neighboring Westfield regarding the placement of a new cell tower. As Tap Into Scotch Plains/Fanwood reports, the most recent Township Council meeting was attended by a vocal group of residents who live near the Westfield Conservation Center. Although the Conservation Center is in Westfield, the angry homeowners live just across the town border in Scotch Plains. They urged their local government to nix Westfield’s plans to install a 130-foot cell tower so close to their community.
The proposed cell tower would be occupied by AT&T. Last autumn, Westfield Mayor Shelly Brindle approved the cell tower plans which the carrier said would address coverage gaps in the area. The plan immediately met with resistance from Scotch Plains denizens like David Munsky, who has filed a lawsuit in hopes of putting a stop to the building plans.
“I believe firmly that the claims in that lawsuit are incredibly valid,” Scotch Plains township attorney David Minchello told Tap Into Scotch Plains/Fanwood.. “There are questions of nuisance, there is a question of whether other reasonable locations were considered before placing it there. We would have to show as a township that we are aggrieved — not a specific neighborhood. I believe that they have a strong likelihood of success, but we cannot be involved in that lawsuit.”
“We discussed their concerns at length and, as someone who prioritizes communication, I suggested the best and most immediate way to get information, including any changes to the Conservation Center, was by subscribing to my weekly updates,” Mayor Brindle said. “In addition, I’m in regular communication with [Scotch Plains] Mayor Losardo. Westfield has always had a collaborative working relationship with Scotch Plains, and will continue to do so.”
Mayor Losardo agreed, noting, “I have been speaking with Mayor Brindle, and I hope that Westfield finds a solution suitable to meet their goals, including minimizing the impact on Scotch Plains residents.”
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