Views Split on Greenwich Point Cell Service

by Anna Helhoski

02/14/2011 12:01 a.m.

Spotty cell phone service isn't necessarily the biggest problem for visitors at Greenwich Point it's whether cell phones should be used at all at the popular seaside park.

"It's better to have your cell on you," said Maggie Lange, who walked her dog on the beach Friday and who said she comes to the Point nearly every day. "Cell phone etiquette needs to come about everywhere. It would be annoying to take a walk and hear someone talking away on their phone."

During the summer, hikers and beachgoers frequent the park, located past Tod's Driftway in Old Greenwich. In wintertime, it's a haven for dog walkers and those seeking solace from busy work and home schedules, as well as from technology.

"It's a sanctuary for a lot of people," said Caroline Hoefer. "People come here to mediate and just be, and then you hear someone on their cell phone. It's an invasion of privacy. You don't come here to listen to other people's conversations."

Maureen Pastore agreed. "Service goes in and out at the Point, but I'm happy about that," she said. "It's a beautiful place for introspection and contemplation." Pastore added she sometimes carries her cell phone to the Point but waits until she gets back to Sound Beach Avenue to make calls.

Cell phone service is notoriously patchy at Greenwich Point. Last summer, concerned residents approached Selectman Drew Marzullo about the problem. "I was asked what would happen if someone became injured or suffered a medical issue and needed some sort of emergency help," Marzullo told The Daily Greenwich in July. "I thought to myself, 'What a great question.'"

After testing cell service and determining it would not be sufficient in emergencies, he helped provide the gatehouse at Greenwich Point with radios that could be used from March through November.

However, some beachgoers say they don't have problems with cells at the Point. "I haven't had any difficulty with service," said Richard Hoffman, who has AT&T service. Another resident, Roland Kistler, also said his cell phone works fine.

Still, some residents don't question the use of cell phones at the Point. "It doesn't bother me when other people are on their phone," said Bonnie Wruschner, who is new to Greenwich. "It's just today's world."

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