A Rare Victory On Cell Tower Siting

To the Editor:

As reported in last week’s Bee, the Omnipoint cell tower that was under review by the Connecticut Siting Council has been approved for the alternate industrial site — not the residential parcel on Walnut Tree Hill Road as originally planned.

We are so pleased that justice has been done, albeit victory is all too rare in the fight against inappropriate cell tower siting. It is not an easy fight. A review of decisions on the Connecticut Siting Council’s website indicates that the telecom giants rarely lose a battle and are almost never denied the approval of proposed towers.

This was a painful and costly lesson, both personally and for the town. The irony is that it all might have been avoided if Planning & Zoning had been more diligent and proactive during the initial review of Omnipoint’s application. P & Z was quick to sign off on a 150’ tower that would have destroyed the views from all points in town and harshly effected one of our most densely populated neighborhoods. The applicant should have been directed to the nearby industrial and commercial district, early in the process.

This case is living proof that the average citizen can affect positive change in their community by formulating an intelligent and strong case, expressing the will of the town citizens and offering valid alternatives. We would like to thank all who have helped us throughout the year — First Selectman Herb Rosenthal, State Representative Julia Wasserman, our neighbors and friends from all corners of Newtown.

Julia Nable

Zoltan Csillag

10 Walnut Tree Hill Road, Sandy Hook                  January 7, 2004