New Canaan Cell Tower Plan Draws Nays, Yeahs

NEW CANAAN, Conn. – Like many New Canaan residents, Laura Wilson would like better cell phone service. Still, the Pocconock Trail resident would rather be safe than sorry.

“I’d love to have cell service, but if there’s health problems that will come with it, I don’t care about cell service,” Wilson said, citing many communities’ worries about the safety of cell towers.

Wilson’s home is not far from the Connecticut National Guard Armory off Route 123 and the Merritt Parkway in Norwalk, where AT&T is proposing to build a tower that would improve cell service for the eastern part of New Canaan. The Connecticut Siting Council will ultimately decide if the tower is built.

AT&T officials explained the company’s plans last week to the New Canaan Town Council. "We're committed to providing the best possible wireless experience for our customers and committed to continuing to work with Norwalk and New Canaan officials to make that possible," said Chuck Coursey, an AT&T spokesperson.

Verizon backed off plans last summer to install an antenna on an Aquarion water tower off Ponus Ridge Road, not far from the playground of West Elementary School. Several West School parents spoke to the Town Council last May, saying the structure would be a potential health hazard. Verizon never formally applied to use the water tower.

Resident Geoffrey Pickard said AT&T’s proposal would significantly improve service on the southeast side of town. Many residents responding to a town survey say getting cell service outside of downtown New Canaan is difficult.

“When we have holes in cell coverage, it contributes to potential safety problems,” Pickard said.

Pickard pointed to the difficulties residents and repair crews faced after Hurricane Irene knocked out power to much of the town. “Many of the repair crews that came to help CL&P were from out of town and the only way they could [communicate] was cell phones,” Pickard said. The lack of reach, he said, “caused delays in getting trees cleared and it should serve as a wake-up call to the residents of New Canaan.”

 

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