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06-07-2007, 06:23 AM
T-Mobile plans new Ansonia cell tower
ANSONIA — The prospect of a communications tower near the Ansonia Nature Center has officials and neighbors worried, sparking fears that the structure might endanger migratory birds that use the nature center as a sanctuary.
Optasite Towers, LLC, of Westborough, Mass., is applying to the Connecticut Siting Council for a permit to build a 180-foot monopole tower on a horse farm off Deerfield Lane.
The tower would be used by cell phone company T-Mobile and would allow for access by other wireless phone companies as well as municipal emergency response teams in Ansonia and Woodbridge, according to Julie Kohler of the Bridgeport law firm Cohen and Wolf, representing Optasite and T-Mobile.
Alison Rubelmann, an assistant director at the Ansonia Nature Center, did not know about the application until being informed by a reporter. While she wanted to review the application before elaborating further, she was worried that the tower might pose a danger to migratory birds that fly near it. "Why would they want to build it out here?" Rubelmann said. "It seems so close to the nature center."
Optasite is expected to submit its request for a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need to the siting council as early as today. Once filed, copies of the application will be available at the siting council's office in New Britain and in Ansonia City Hall.
No date for a public hearing has been scheduled.
Kohler said T-Mobile needs the tower to provide coverage
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in the area. "There are no other towers to co-locate on," she said. "It is an optimal property and it's a very, very good site."
She added that the monopole is set back far enough that it would not be visible from the road.
Property owners Joel and Cheryl Gelertner could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.
Kohler said the company will not need to apply to the city for any new permits. Martin Wigglesworth, who lives in the city's Hilltop area near the nature center, worries that the tower site might pose a danger to adventurous children.
"It's just a temptation for a play site," he said.
Debbie Bakis of Benz Street, a T-Mobile customer, said it's hard for her to get cell phone service near her home. Still, she wants to hear more about the plans before deciding whether the location of the tower should be changed.
"I have to study it some more to get a better idea," Bakis said.
SOURCE: The Connecticut Post Online
ANSONIA — The prospect of a communications tower near the Ansonia Nature Center has officials and neighbors worried, sparking fears that the structure might endanger migratory birds that use the nature center as a sanctuary.
Optasite Towers, LLC, of Westborough, Mass., is applying to the Connecticut Siting Council for a permit to build a 180-foot monopole tower on a horse farm off Deerfield Lane.
The tower would be used by cell phone company T-Mobile and would allow for access by other wireless phone companies as well as municipal emergency response teams in Ansonia and Woodbridge, according to Julie Kohler of the Bridgeport law firm Cohen and Wolf, representing Optasite and T-Mobile.
Alison Rubelmann, an assistant director at the Ansonia Nature Center, did not know about the application until being informed by a reporter. While she wanted to review the application before elaborating further, she was worried that the tower might pose a danger to migratory birds that fly near it. "Why would they want to build it out here?" Rubelmann said. "It seems so close to the nature center."
Optasite is expected to submit its request for a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need to the siting council as early as today. Once filed, copies of the application will be available at the siting council's office in New Britain and in Ansonia City Hall.
No date for a public hearing has been scheduled.
Kohler said T-Mobile needs the tower to provide coverage
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in the area. "There are no other towers to co-locate on," she said. "It is an optimal property and it's a very, very good site."
She added that the monopole is set back far enough that it would not be visible from the road.
Property owners Joel and Cheryl Gelertner could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.
Kohler said the company will not need to apply to the city for any new permits. Martin Wigglesworth, who lives in the city's Hilltop area near the nature center, worries that the tower site might pose a danger to adventurous children.
"It's just a temptation for a play site," he said.
Debbie Bakis of Benz Street, a T-Mobile customer, said it's hard for her to get cell phone service near her home. Still, she wants to hear more about the plans before deciding whether the location of the tower should be changed.
"I have to study it some more to get a better idea," Bakis said.
SOURCE: The Connecticut Post Online