Rallying Against the Tower
A proposed Verizon cell tower in the peaceful village of New Preston, Washington has sparked a wave of opposition from local residents. The 140-foot tower, slated for 17 Warren Road, is being promoted by The Towers, a collaboration between Vertical Bridge REIT and Cellco Partnership, the parent company of Verizon Wireless. Concerned citizens are urging Verizon to explore alternative solutions before moving forward with the project.
When questioned about the potential impact of the tower on property values, opinions varied among residents. While some argue that the tower could have a positive effect, others fear it could drive down real estate prices. The debate underscores the need for careful consideration and community input in deciding the fate of the project.
Residents Speak Out
Local resident Kenneth Baldwin, representing The Towers, shared insights on the issue:
"Anecdotally, there are folks that will say, 'I'm not going to buy a house if it's adjacent to a parcel that has a cell tower'. I was involved in a tower application down in New Canaan a number of years ago where people came to the hearing and said, 'If I had known that there was no cell service where I just purchased my home, I wouldn't have bought the home in the first place'." - Kenneth Baldwin
Addressing the Concerns
Verizon's proposal aims to address a significant coverage gap in the area, impacting both cell service and emergency communications along Route 202 and Route 341. While acknowledging the importance of improving connectivity, many residents are questioning the need for a towering structure in their community. Suggestions for less obtrusive alternatives, such as small cell installations on existing infrastructure, have been put forward as potential compromises.
The Debate Continues
Despite assurances from Verizon regarding technical and safety standards, local residents remain divided on the necessity of the proposed tower. The ongoing dialogue underscores the importance of balancing connectivity needs with community aesthetics and concerns.
