Cell antenna at the N. Merrick Library?

T-Mobile is looking to solve a costly problem for the North Merrick Public Library and increase wireless service by installing a disguised cell antenna in place of the library’s rusted flag pole. But North Merrick residents are asking for more answers before they support the project.

Tom Erwin, a site acquisition agent for T-Mobile, spoke to residents about the proposal at a North Merrick Community Association meeting at the library on Monday.

“I want to talk to you because apparently other companies have put up poles without asking,” Erwin said. He was invited to speak at the community association’s monthly meeting after addressing a poorly attended library board meeting on May 18.

The board has sole discretion to enter into a contract with T-Mobile, but board President Bill Pezzulo and library Director Tom Witt both said they would seek community input before forming a final opinion.

Citing a gap in T-Mobile coverage in the area around Meadowbrook Parkway and Camp Avenue in North Merrick, Erwin said T-Mobile is proposing to install a 40- to 50-foot pole with a 22-inch diameter on library grounds. All working components would be contained within the pole, with radio frequencies radiating 10 to 15 feet below the top of the pole, he said.

At the meeting, Erwin said T-mobile was still in negotiations with the library regarding contract terms and could not speak on specifics. In a separate interview, Witt told the Herald that T-Mobile presented a lease agreement that would pay $18,000 the first year and increase 3 percent annually, with the option for T-Mobile to end the lease in five-year increments for 30 years. The library would not have the option to end the lease at any time. T-Mobile would also be responsible for maintaining the pole, which would otherwise cost the library $2,500 to paint. The pole requires a fresh coat of paint every three to four years to avoid becoming a rusty eyesore.

“So that added a little bit of interest,” Witt said.

Sharon Curry, a founder of Moms of Meri-Bell Speak out, or M.O.M.S., a group dedicated to keeping cell antennas away from schools and homes, said, “I feel very respected by you [Erwin] coming to speak with us,” but said she was against a cell antenna on library grounds, a place children frequent, because of unknown health risks. M.O.M.S has retained a lawyer to assist in its mission.

North Merrick resident Anthony Vitale said, “I don’t think anybody wants to live under even a very attractive flagpole that's emanating frequencies that are microwave frequencies,” adding, “I think we have real scientific questions about whether these are safe.” Vitale also said the board should consider the impact that a cell antenna would have on nearby home values and the precedent that allowing it to be installed would set.

Other residents recognized the necessity for such structures. “Everyone who has a cell phone has implicitly voted yes for cell antennas,” Bob Castro said.

Civic association President Claudia Borecky asked Erwin to consider a location on the Meadowbrook Parkway. While T-Mobile would be in favor of the location, Erwin said the process of installing a structure on state roadways can be prohibitively long.

"If it's on the Meadowbrook Parkway," Witt said, "then we get no revenue and it still goes up anyway. If it's in this area, and it has to be considered, why not let the money go to the community?"

The board will address the issue further at a July 20 meeting. If the decision is made to allow the structure, T-Mobile must file an application with the Town of Hempstead and a formal public hearing will be scheduled.

Comments about this story? SZeidler@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 236.