Village of Lake Success trustees on Monday night set a public hearing date of Monday, Oct. 15, for a proposal from ExteNet to install 13 cell nodes across the village.
Officials and ExteNet representatives have described the measure as one aiming to boost cellphone service in the village, which has experienced spotty coverage in the past. This would involve installing shoe-box-sized transmitters and two-feet-tall antennas on poles.
Mayor Adam Hoffman, responding to questions from a resident, said that the proposal currently calls for 10 nodes – or “localized cell towers” – to be installed outside of neighborhood areas, with three other locations not finalized. ExteNet will have representatives present to discuss specifics and answer questions, he said, and emails and letters about the public hearing will be sent to residents.
According to modified plans submitted by ExteNet, eight of the 13 fixtures would be clustered on or around Lakeville Road and could vary in height from 30 feet to just over 40 feet.
The proposal currently calls for fixtures in the Old Field Lane area, around Horace Harding Boulevard, around Windsor Gate and one at the Village Club off Lakeville Road.
Village Administrator Patrick Farrell said ExteNet representatives will make clear at the public hearing whether existing poles and other fixtures will be replaced, fixed or left alone.
Ellen Gottlieb, a Lake Success resident who attended the meeting with her husband, Sam, said the proposed cell fixtures have been a subject of controversy, including at a previous board meeting where 20 to 25 people – including herself – showed up and expressed concern.
Ellen Gottlieb said she was worried about possible health problems and that she was “willing to give up” some cell service “for the comfort” of not taking that risk.
“We don’t want to take a chance,” Gottlieb said.
Sam Gottlieb echoed her concerns, adding that he doesn’t feel residents are getting “accurate information on a number of fronts.”
“Many of the people that are most in favor of it are taking the least risk,” Sam Gottlieb said.
The meeting will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall, located at 318 Lakeville Road.
ExteNet has also proposed the installation of cell nodes in other parts of the North Shore, sparking discussion in villages like Munsey Park, Plandome, Plandome Manor, Kings Point, Flower Hill and Williston Park.
