RSS 2.0 FeedAugust 19, 2010, Merrick Life
Cell tower concerns discussed at NM Library Board meeting
T-Mobile presents health study to audience of few community members.
Cell towers were front-and-center on the agenda at the North Merrick Library Board meeting last week. The main issue on the minds of those who were present was the cell flag pole proposed by T-Mobile. Library Director Tom Witt said the current flag pole is rusted and would cost about $2,500 to paint. The North Merrick Library was offered $18,000 per year from T-Mobile to house the cell antenna in the flag pole.
North Merrick Community Association President Claudia Borecky expressed her opposition to the proposal, “I’m not against cell towers, but they should be placed responsibly, not near someone’s home or school.” Board Vice-President Marion H. Schurade pointed out that the issue of health and safety concerns could no longer be used to prevent the installation of cell towers, only the issues of market value and esthetics.
Mrs. Borecky said, “It will effect the market value of surrounding homes.” Resident Michelle Ferrandino said regarding market value and prospective home buyers, “If I was coming in with a second-grader now, I’d be looking for these things.” She added, “Just because it hasn’t been proven to be unsafe, I don’t want to take the chance with my or anyone else’s kids.” Tom Erwin, a T-Mobile representative, distributed a 25-page document attempting to address the health and safety concerns of the community.
The document, filled with graphs, charts and equations, states that, “Given the very low level of RF (radio frequency) energy to be emitted by the cell antennas, T-Mobile will be fully compliant with all RF exposure requirements and pose no health threat to people in the area nearby.” It states, “In fact, these cellular antennas will contribute less energy in the buildings below and the surrounding area than common office or household appliances, such as televisions, microwave ovens and cordless phones.”
Board President William Pezzulo said, “There will be no vote on the issue tonight. We’re now at step three—the health and safety issue. We won’t be making any decision until we know what the Town of Hempstead is doing.” According to Mrs. Borecky, the Town of Hempstead will vote on tough new zoning legislation regarding the placement of cell towers on September 21. (See related story.)
Daniel Yngstrom, from county Legislator Dave Denenberg’s office, was present to discuss the $15,000 grant Mr. Denenberg was able to obtain for the North Merrick Library. Mr. Yngstrom said the monies could be used for anything that falls within the description of CRP, or Community Revitalization Program.
The board trustees had a number of ideas as to how that money could be used, but no decisions were made at the meeting. One expense the library is planning on spending is $11,407 for 36 chairs. Mr. Pezzulo said, “We have had no tax increases for the last two years, circulation is up, attendance is up, and when people come here they deserve comfortable accommodations.”
Another expense, but one being put out to bid, is the renovation of two bathrooms. The bathrooms were from when the library was an elementary school, and are still set up for children. Mr. Witt told attendees the library plans to have its facility wired for Wifi service by mid-September. Mr. Pezzulo asked community members to contribute any suggestions for programs that might make the library a more attractive place to congregate for teens and young adults. He said with the drinking age at 21, teens have very few places to go. Library Trustee Mark Davis said ideas for family nights would be welcome as well.
The board also welcomed new Trustee Barbara Behrens. Ms. Behrens was sworn in last month.
