Residents blast proposed cell antennas in West End

Verizon Wireless is looking to install a new wireless communication facility in the West End, saying that it would improve cell phone service and wireless capabilities for its customers.

On Feb. 27, company representatives appeared before the Zoning Board of Appeals and requested a special-use permit for the roof of 890 W. Beech St.

“Verizon Wireless is experiencing a serious service deficiency gap in the West End of Long Beach,” said Al Amato, an attorney representing Verizon. “Once this facility is constructed, it will resolve that service deficiency gap. Once this facility is constructed, people will be able to use their phones, and emergency services will be able to be communicated in this area.”

The antennas and equipment would be enclosed in two penthouse-like structures on the roof of the building, Amato said, and would not have a significant impact on the neighborhood. “No antennas or equipment will be visible whatsoever from the exterior of the building,” he said, adding that, aesthetically, the structure would fit in with the building’s architecture.

Hurricane Sandy knocked out cellular service in the area for days, and zoning board members asked whether Verizon had contingencies for future storms. Representatives said that if services were to be cut off again, the new facility, which could withstand hurricane-force winds, would operate on a natural gas-fueled generator.

“One of the main thrusts of this facility is for emergencies such as Superstorm Sandy,” Amato said. “All of the equipment, including a generator in a sound enclosure, has been located on the roof. We also have included … a noise study showing that that generator is compliant with all the noise ordinances. In the event that there is a storm, the generator would run the facility … and no matter what’s going on, the facility would be operating for emergency services — and for the residents to communicate with emergency services.”