September 26, 2022-Cell Tower Controversy

As many of you are aware the proposed AT&T cell tower at the police station has become very controversial. It was not my original intention to wade in at this juncture out of respect for the appropriate process. The Planning Board and the Zoning Board are independent bodies that will make their own decisions after input from all interested parties. However, since some organized groups have made some statements that I feel are inaccurate and are not respecting the process, I have decided to make some comments. To AT&T's surprise and disappointment, we opted for complete Planning Board and Zoning Board review as if this was a private project even though we do not believe we were obligated to do so since the village owns the property. With this approach, notice of these hearings would be published in the official Village newspaper as well as mailed to certain residents with a defined radius thereby providing the opportunity for everyone to voice their opinion.

• The proposed tree monopole will not be visible to the overwhelming majority of residents. In fact, it may not be visible to any residents. This is a new design that has not been seen on Long Island to date.
• Members of the Planning and Zoning Boards have conducted or will conduct site visits from the neighboring property to aid their independent decision making.
• Although there are many who oppose this tower, there are also many residents who are seeking improved cell service and who are in support of this proposed tower. One nearby resident asked why we weren't seeking a higher tower. We have a record number of new residents within the Village. Many of these new residents work remotely and have called me asking if anything at all can be done to improve cell service.
• Some residents have children working from home who have also asked for improvements.
• Also, this AT&T installation will enable FirstNet.

            1.  FirstNet allows first responders and other public safety personnel to send and receive voice, data, images, and text without concerns about network congestion.

            2.  It is also important to note that the FirstNet platform services any federal, state, or other local subscribing first responders that may operate in the vicinity of the site.

• After careful analysis, the main reason the Trustees opted for this location is that we can exercise a greater degree of control as a landlord as compared to if this application came before us and was located on private property. For example, the height of this tower is similar to several adjacent trees.
• Contrary to some other criticisms, the $60,000 to $100,000 (keep in mind, only 60k right now) annual fee was not a major determinant. If the tower doesn't go here, it will most likely eventually go on private property where the Village will have far less control. I would ask all of you who have concerns about the project to attend the forthcoming meetings, express your concerns and listen to both sides. There has been some opposition from nonresident anti-cell phone activists, and I will tell you that their opinion is not something I consider relevant input. That said, the decision to approve or deny this tower now sits with the Village Zoning and Planning Boards which are independent boards within the Village.

Charles R. Goulding
Mayor