At least 150 Bloomfield residents braved the wind and rain last night, to attend what was slated as the only opportunity for public discussion of the controversial cell phone tower, proposed by T-Mobile and the Brookside Garden Center. To the evident dismay of many in the audience, the Zoning Board of Adjustment members opened the meeting by announcing that there would “most definitely not be a vote made tonight.” Amidst low-grumbles of objection, the obviously upset attendees nonetheless remained respectful of the meeting.
The Zoning Board also made it clear that they would make sure that the law be upheld in regards to T-Mobile’s application. All experts who would be presenting information would be required to testify under oath.
James Pryor, counsel for the service provider, stated that there is an “existing coverage gap” in T-mobile service for the area, making it necessary for the monopole cell tower to be constructed. He then introduced T-Mobile’s first round of experts, which included Dan Collins, an electrical engineer with 38 years experience in the wireless industry. Collins is representing T-Mobile as an expert in Federal Communication Standards and the New Jersey Radiation Act.
At this point in the meeting (which ultimately lasted about 3 hours), the floor was opened up to the public under the stipulation that all public questions would pertain only to what Collins had just testified. The residents’ main concern of the night fell under the category of health issues. In an effort to ease the public’s concern about potential health risks associated with cell towers, Collins stated that in accordance with his research done specific to the proposed monopole, the antennas used to transmit the cell phone signal give off only about one-tenth of 1% radio frequency.
Controversy over the proposed plan began in early February. Since then, community opponents to the project have compiled a petition with more 200 signatures, however they were told that the zoning board does not accept petitions when they presented it at an earlier date. This was restated in last night’s meeting by the board’s attorney.
In addition to health concerns, opponents have expressed a number of objections related to the proposed monopole, including decreased property values, aesthetic compromise, and the specific location. No other locations have been suggested, and some believe that if it were to be constructed, it should financially beneficial to the township, rather than private property owners — in this case, O’Boyle Realty.
Councilwoman-At-Large Peggy O’Boyle Dunigan stated that she is “only the manager” of the garden center, which is in fact owned by her brothers. Braristanet has attempted to reach O’Boyle for comment but have not received return calls or emails.
Last night’s meeting appears to be the beginning of what could be a lengthy and contentious battle between the two sides. The next Bloomfield Zoning Board meeting is scheduled for April 14 at 7:30p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers.
The tower is 50 feet above town building code and would be located in an area that does not allow an antenna, according to town officials. It is also too close to certain property lines, according to an architectural rendering.
Shouldn’t that be enough? That and the distress it’s causing the homeowners and residents in the area? What is wrong with these people that they just don’t get it? Why should one family be allowed to benefit financially at the expense of their neighbors? I wouldn’t care if the tower emitted the aroma of Mom’s apple pie; it will be an eyesore, it doesn’t belong in that area based on the zoning, and most importantly THE RESIDENTS ARE DISTRESSED AND DON’T WANT IT!
The only reason for pushing forward with this is for financial gain, despite the obvious pain and upset it’s causing those who will have to live near it. Not exactly a Christian attitude especially in this season of Lent.
maybe they need that financial gain to offset the ever increasing tax burden?
I couldn’t care less about Christian attitudes or Lent, but if Karen is correct about this being in violation of existing building codes in regards to zoning, building height, and property lines, then I agree that it should be a pretty easy answer – NO.
If I, as a property owner in Bloomfield, am not permitted by current codes to construct a structure of this height at this distance from neighboring properties, then certainly a large non-resident company should not be allowed either. The construction of this tower would not benefit the community at large. It will benefit T-Mobile and the Garden Center property owners only. Even if the township makes some cash off the deal, which I’m not clear on, I’m guessing the township residents would still be opposed to this deal.
Add into these issues the fact that the tower would, most definitely, lower property values in that area (thankfully, far from my property) and I don’t see how it could be fair to allow one set of residents to benefit financially from something that would financially hurt the rest of the residents of that area.
Unfair and unneeded.
Our home is adjacent to the proposed location of this cell tower. We bought our modest, single storey, residential property some fifteen years ago in a neighborhood where construction is capped at forty feet, according to the report submitted by the town’s engineer. T Mobile is seeking a variance that is triple the height generally permitted. This tower will be hideous as either a “Frankenpine,” or a flag pole. In fact, the flag pole (which I believe includes floodlighting for the giant flag) will add even more light pollution to our home which is already floodlit all night, every night by O’Boyle’s security lighting.
We estimate that the annual revenue this tower will bring to Mr. O’Boyle is probably similar to the value that will be stripped from our home (and others) if construction proceeds. Is that fair or just? I think not.
I politely request that as spring arrives, those opposed to the proposed tower register their protest against it by boycotting all of Mr. O’Boyle’s businesses. Buy your spring gardening needs from other sources, contract with other landscapers, consider other funeral homes, and urge your friends and colleagues to do likewise. Those of us opposed to the construction of this tower should vote with our wallets, avoiding Mr. O’Boyle AND T Mobile at every opportunity.
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http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/nobroadstreetcelltower/
“the antennas used to transmit the cell phone signal give off only about one-tenth of 1% radio frequency. ”
I’m a physics teacher, and even I don’t have a clue what that sentence means. Was this a garbled summary, or did he actually say this?
Tim, that is exactly what Mr. Collins said during his testimony, 0.0728%.
Thanks, Michael — but 0.0728% of WHAT? There’s no coherent information in the given quote.
The fees paid for the cell tower would be a boon to the township. Given the level of cuts proposed at today’s budget meeting, especially to Health and Human Services, that money would eliminate the need to cut some very essential services to the most needy and defenseless in Bloomfield. What little quality of life that’s left in Bloomfield will be gone if this budget is passed.
As someone posted previously:
“Montclair’s new cell tower (105 feet) will bring in revenue of $2.4 million over 25 years- that works out to $96,000 per year . This is a taller tower – will it generate even more revenue…”.
“Collins stated that in accordance with his research done specific to the proposed monopole, the antennas used to transmit the cell phone signal give off only about one-tenth of 1% radio frequency.”
Meaning the RF radiation emissions, for which many residents were concerned about. Hope that clears up your confusion.
No Broad Street Cell Tower
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It’ll a giant vibrating dildo in the middle of Bloomfield.
Just what we need – another way to $crew us!
Can we let the animal shelter put up a cell tower to save itself? It’s not in the most attractive spot in town and not next it anyone’s house.
There is a cell tower by the Animal Shelter. We want T-Mobile to co-locate on that tower or the tower that is already by Wachung Ave. We do not need further cell towers in our town. Wayne, NJ is fighting 5 T-Moble towers. T-Mobile is infiltrating every town across this state.
What does it mean for this project now that AT&T bought T-mobile?
AT&T has not bought T-Mobile. AT&T has announced their intention to purchase T-Mobile. Assuming that federal regulators allow the deal to move forward it may take a year for the purchase to be completed. Expect T-Mobile to aggressivley push forward with their plans to erect new monopoles.
I thought that a combined AT&T, T-mobile grid would reduce the need for new poles.
Alas, Pork Roll I think you’re right.
If you would like to support the cause, you can purchase T-shirts and bumper stickers at http://www.cafepress.com/nobroadstreetcelltower or if you would like to support the boycott of Brookside Garden Center you can but T-shirts, bumper stickers and grocery bags @ http://www.cafepress.com/boycottbrooksidegardencenter