Much-Needed Fast Wireless Broadband Service Coming To Hoosick
by Deb Alter
The Hoosick Town Zoning Board has approved the plan for Bouncelinx, a wireless broadband internet service provider, to build a 120’ tower near Bovie Hill Road. The vote was unanimous. The fast, wireless broadband internet service that many people feel is essential for the revitalization of the Hoosick Community is finally coming. [private]
As soon as Bouncelinx gets the official letter (building permit) from The Town of Hoosick Zoning Board, and Bouncelinx submits the required proof of insurance, the construction process can begin. The process of building the tower and powering it up generally takes about a month, depending on the physical characteristics of the specific site.
At the Public Hearing held at the Town Offices on Monday, August 3, Bouncelinx’s Managing Director John Carnett listened to the Zoning Board members discussion relating to the site, size and impact on the surrounding neighborhood. There were a few questions, which he answered.
Tom Vallone was the only Hoosick resident who came out specifically for this public hearing. He was enthusiastically in support of the project. “Affordable access to broadband service is the single most important thing for the revitalization of Hoosick. Any environmental impacts are minimal compared to the benefits that the project brings to the community,” he said. No one spoke against the project.
The Public Hearing was originally scheduled for July 6, but due to a site change for the tower, Carnett had to present a new plan on that date. Because of the different location, there were adjustments to the specifications for the tower and the impact on the environment in the new location, and the approval process began anew. The process also involves communication with the people who own neighboring properties, submitting new plans, and a pre-announced public hearing with the Zoning Board. In the meantime, Bouncelinx, which is headquartered in Greenwich, NY, has started other projects; two are in White Creek and one is in Pittstown. Neither of these towns require zoning approval.
The tower will be the hub of the wireless broadband system, sending out signals to the customers around it and to small receivers on pre-existing tall structures, such as silos, which then send out signals to users farther away from the hub tower. The first Bouncelinx tower will be able to serve 560 customers. With more receivers and towers, they will be able to provide even more businesses and homes with much needed high-speed, reliable internet service.
You can find more information about Bouncelinx and how wireless broadband service works on their website: www.bouncelinx.com.[/private]