Cell Tower

An Unwanted Neighbor

To the Editor:

My wife and I have recently learned of a proposed cell tower installation located [at 24 Dinglebrook Road].  We wish to voice our strong opposition to the proposed cell tower requested by AT&T to be installed on the Lundgren property.  Please be advised that this is a close knit residential area and a cell tower would not be welcomed by us or many of our neighbors.  None of us wish to live so close to such an eyesore which would surely lower our property values as well as having an adverse effect on the environment. Cell towers should be limited to commercial areas not residential areas. P&Z allows this?

According to current plans, this tower would be built right in the middle of our neighborhood.  From the information I have received so far, its location is near a wetlands area.  The town officials’ only answer to prevent erosion and flooding is to erect a temporary silt fence.  This is also unacceptable.  We moved to our present location many years ago to get away from suburban sprawl, but it appears to be catching up to us.  We wish to preserve the character and scenic beauty of our neighborhood and will speak at the public hearing.  Could you please advise us directly when a date has been set?

We believe that the best place for a cell tower would be in the nearby Upper Paugussett State Forest off of Hanover Road.  It is at least 800 acres and already has access roads (from periodic logging) and is not near any residential neighborhoods.  This location would provide the cell service AT&T requires and give the town it’s emergency service coverage, as well as providing a monthly income to the state from AT&T instead of a private landowner making a profit at the expense of area neighbors!

Sincerely,

Robert Dahm

184 Hanover Road                                        Newtown March 16, 2009

(Editor’s Note: The Connecticut Siting Council in New Britain has received AT&T’s application to build a cellular telecommunications tower at 24 Dinglebrook Lane in Newtown. The council has not yet scheduled a date for a public hearing on the application, however, the hearing is expected to take place in Newtown sometime in May.)