Almost exactly a year ago, “06880” broke the story that AT&T was planning to place a 120-foot cell tower at a Greens Farms Road residence. It would loom above the tree line, not far from Hillspoint Road: a “gateway” intersection leading toward our beaches.
In early June, a “balloon test” showed just how high the tower would soar. A band of protesters watched nearby.
Since then: crickets.
In the intervening months, First Selectman Jim Marpe has heard “nothing directly” from North Atlantic Towers, which would build the structure.
However, Marpe warns, “that doesn’t mean it’s going away. Presumably, they’re still interested. A submission to the Connecticut Siting Council could still show up.”
The cell tower was planned for the house on the left: 92 Greens Farms Road. (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)
Westport has retained a wireless technology consultant, to help if needed. The town is also in contact with major wireless carriers. The idea is to be proactive, not reactive.
Marpe says that State Senator Tony Hwang and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg have been “very helpful.” The legislators have spoken with top-level Connecticut Department of Transportation officials. The DOT controls much of the property near I-95 and the railroad tracks, which could serve as alternative tower sites.
The Greens Farms Road tower is meant to provide better cell service to motorists on I-95 — not necessarily to improve coverage for Westport residents.
A “balloon test” last June showed how high the Greens Farms Road cell tower would be.