Proposed N. Bellmore cell phone tower upsets officials

The proposed building of a commercial cell phone tower on state parks land in North Bellmore has angered local officials.

Canonsburg, Pa.-based Crown Communications is seeking permission from parks officials to build the tower on state property on the corner of South Bismark Avenue and Bellmore Road just south of the Southern State Parkway, said Dan Keefe, spokesman for the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, which owns the land.

The tower with several antennas would handle primarily commercial calls but could also accommodate municipal phone systems, Keefe said Tuesday, but no state park use is planned at this point.

While the tower would generate revenue for the state, which would get a percentage of the income created by the tower, the proposal has also generated static.

Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray and state Sen. Charles J. Fuschillo (R-Merrick) oppose the installation, which is not subject to a new town ordinance restricting erection of new cell towers because it would be on state land.

Last month, the town board prohibited wireless companies from installing equipment closer than 1,500 feet to homes, day care centers and houses of worship, unless the companies are able to submit ample evidence that such a tower is necessary.

Murray wrote the parks department Aug. 16 demanding the agency inform residents about the site-selection process "and detail all pertinent data that supports the purported need for this tower. In addition, neighbors deserve to know whether other locations that would have less impact on local homes have been considered."

The town subsequently sent out its own letter to residents.

Jim Hodnett, who lives on South Bismark Avenue, said the proposed tower would be about 60 feet from his home.

"It's going to destroy the value of the house," Hodnett said.

Murray has asked for a public meeting on the proposal. Keefe said the agency will hold a meeting before Thanksgiving before any decision is made on proceeding with the project."We worked hard to create local legislation that gives neighbors a greater voice in the decision where cell towers are located," Murray said yesterdayTuesday. "We think the state parks department should give residents the same consideration."