Neighbors Look to Chop Down Proposed Cell Tower
By Doug La Rocque
Verizon Wireless appeared before a joint public hearing of the Brunswick Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) on Thursday, January 16, to make a brief presentation on its plans to construct a cell tower on lands that border Creek Road and Menemsha Lane. Following that presentation, neighbor after neighbor came to the podium to denounce the project, citing its impact on property values with its varying degrees of visibility, possible health impacts, noise created by two generators, storm water runoff, and the actual need for the tower itself.
On October 19 of last year, Verizon Wireless conducted what is referred to as a “balloon test,” in which three different colored balloons were flown over the area, each representing one of three possible tower sites.
Tectonic, the firm employed by Verizon Wireless to conduct the test and field survey, then drove around a two mile radius of the balloons taking pictures to develop a photographic map of the proposed tower’s visual impact. As this was conducted in mid-October, the report indicates foliage was approximately 50 percent of full coverage. That was a point brought out by many in the public hearing, indicating the many months when the trees are bare, will only serve to heighten what they referred to as the visual pollution.
One resident, Barbara Russo, had many questions and statements for both boards. She claims they should deny the request on the fact it creates a negative aesthetic impact, which, according to Ms. Russo, is contrary to Brunswick’s Comprehensive Plan’s goal of preserving the beauty of the town. She also stated that Verizon Wireless’s statements that there is no other feasible site in that portion of the town to construct a tower, is not solid ground to approve the application. Ms. Russo asked the boards for a sound assessment study, given there would be two generators on the site, (the tower would have antennas for both Verizon Wireless and AT&T) and claimed there is no storm water management information or a historical site review, which she indicated are required documents. Ms. Russo further questioned some of the information contained in the State Environment Quality Review portion of the application, then asked for a positive environmental impact declaration and a full Environmental Impact Statement to be ordered.
Verizon Wireless presented coverage documents during its portion of the hearing that it claimed showed gaps in coverage in the Route 2 portion of the town, and how this new tower would correct most of that problem. Many of those who spoke against the proposal stated they have either Verizon or AT&T cellphones and currently are not experiencing any coverage issues, and that a new tower would just be redundant.
Verizon Wireless offers three proposed sites for 275 Menemsha Lane, land they are leasing from Mary Alice Zouky. Site A would see the construction of an 80 foot tower, further up in elevation and closer to many existing homes. Further down the hill they are proposing a 150 foot tower, which is their optimum site, and finally closer to the road, a 240 foot tower, that would also require aerial warning lights.
Both boards chose to keep the public hearing open for another 14 days for additional written comments. Since there is a three-week break between meetings, the Special Use Permit and Site Plan was placed on the agenda for the Planning Board’s February 6 meeting. The ZBA will deal with the variance request at its meeting later in February. Verizon Wireless must respond to all comments made at the hearing in writing by those meeting dates, if the matter is to proceed.
The complete application and balloon test results are available on the Town of Brunswick website, under 2019 Zoning Board minutes.
Walmart’s Store Pick Up Parking Approved
The Planning Board gave conditional approval to Walmart’s plans to construct a canopy along the north side of its Hoosick Road (NYS Rt. 7) location, that would provide cover for up to ten parking spots, for a new program that would see store personal bring pickup orders directly to the customer’s car, even loading the purchased items into the vehicle. Walmart currently operates a similar program at its East Greenbush store.
Planning Board Engineer Wayne Bonesteel shot down the store’s plan to create an island along the entrance governed by a traffic light, that would have had vehicles proceeding toward the front of the store, turning and coming back to enter the side parking lot. He felt the current traffic flow would work, with the appropriate signage and striping. The planners also wanted assurances before granting their approval, that there would be appropriate safety lighting, and that overflow shopping carts would not impact traffic. The door used to push shopping carts back into the store is located in close proximity to the canopy.