PV Cell Tower Lease Approved By Voters
By Kristen McNerney
After months of debate, a vote overwhelmingly confirmed a lease deal that could lead to a cell tower at Putnam Valley Town Hall last Tuesday.
The vote toward approval of the lease deal between the town and Homeland Towers was a margin of 612-234. The deal could bring in $24,000 for the town annually if the more than 100-foot tower is built.
Supervisor Sam Oliverio said he was thrilled with the outcome, calling it the “best option” as opposed to a site decided by Homeland Towers which would likely be much closer to the local elementary school or senior center.
Critics have made many claims against Oliverio and the town board by arguing that they are not acting in the town’s best interests and haven’t actively done enough research to prove the credibility of their position. Oliverio called the critics’ arguments “untenable” but understood they were coming from a “not in my backyard” mentality.
Oliverio has promised to fix cell service for Putnam Valley during storms, which became an increasingly important issue after this year’s blizzard and tornado, in March and May respectively.
To those who are worried about the negative impact of the cell tower being placed at town hall, Oliverio reminded them that there already is another cell tower out front that people pass every day without paying close attention to.
Approvals from the planning board and zoning board of appeals are the next steps for the construction of the tower.
