STOP THE CELL TOWER AT WLNG
Donation protected
Dear Sag Harbor Neighbors,
An application is currently in process to replace the slender 1960s WLNG radio tower with a CELL TOWER and MASSIVE COMMERCIAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPOUND at 23 Redwood Road on Sag Harbor’s Inner Cove.
According to Sag Harbor village code (#300-11.11) “the Village finds that wireless telecommunication facilities may pose significant concerns to the health, safety, public welfare, historic character, aesthetic qualities and environment of the village and its inhabitants.”
This new tower will NOT be “just a flagpole.” It will be a substantial commercial telecommunications compound with a 165’ - 199’ monopole—wider, more solid and more obtrusive than the existing lattice tower. There will also be multiple diesel generators and fuel tanks, a massive concrete base, trenched cables and pipelines, power panels and cabinets and enhanced night lighting for aircraft.
While all Sag Harbor residents understand and appreciate the urgent need for improved cell and emergency service in Sag Harbor, there are many sites more suitable than in a historic, environmentally sensitive residential neighborhood. In addition….
- The Redwood causeway, where the tower is located, is in the wetlands, in a low-lying "Area of Special Flood Hazard" (Zone AE), which floods regularly and is environmentally sensitive. Do we want diesel generators and fuel tanks in this fragile ecosystem?
- Cell towers destroy property values of houses within the vicinity by as much as 25%. Decreased property values lead to less tax revenue for the village.
- Cell towers need obtrusive ongoing maintenance - the diesel generators are noisy, need weekly testing, and require regular fuel truck deliveries.
- Cell towers can fail. They catch fire, fall over in high winds and create ice fall. Concealed cell towers are especially vulnerable to fire.
We have secured the services of an attorney who specializes in fighting cell towers across the country. He will represent us at village hearings and also research and obtain all the necessary information from the DEC, local government and historical institutions and organizations to fight this battle with us. A small group of neighbors raised the initial $3500 retainer towards securing his services. This fundraiser is to cover the remainder of his full fee and ensure that we have the best possible chance of success in fighting this battle. Any funds raised that are in excess of the attorney's final fees will be returned on a pro-rated basis.
If you are concerned about the impact of this proposed cell tower on your home, property values and/or the character of our historic neighborhood, wetlands and village, please contribute to this important cause today!
Visit sagharborcelltower.com to subscribe to our mailing list and get notified of further news and developments, including village hearings where this will be discussed and voted on.
Thank you!
Coalition of Concerned Sag Harbor Residents Against the WLNG Cell Tower
Organizer
Coalition of Concerned Sag Harbor Neighbors
Organizer
Sag Harbor, NY