Merokeans to protest Metro PCS with boycott

Merokeans are channeling frustrations once aimed at NextG Networks toward the wireless telecommunications company Metro PCS, which offers cell service on frequencies provided by NextG. On Sept. 29, two civic associations were set to announce a Metro PCS boycott.

"We have to let people know that if they sign up with Metro PCS, they're not only helping them with their goal to cover Merrick with antennas, they're helping other companies to come in and do the same thing," said Joe Baker, president of the South Merrick Community Civic Association.

Metro PCS, which offers contract-free service, hired NextG Networks to install a distributed antenna system in Nassau County. NextG began installations in late spring, affixing a series of small antennas to telephone poles outside homes and near schools on Town of Hempstead-owned rights of way.

The town entered into a franchise agreement with NextG after it was determined that the New York State Public Service Commission had designated NextG a public utility. As such, NextG is governed by the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, which allows the company to install structures without adhering to local zoning regulations.

More than 30 antennas were placed in Merrick, more than any other single community, because Merrick does not have any monopoles, where cell antennas are most often erected. In other communities, such as neighboring Bellmore, NextG used existing monopoles, allowing the company to install fewer antennas on local streets.

NextG representatives had been meeting with civic leaders from Merrick to discuss moving antennas at particularly controversial sites, but recently ceased negotiations after the Merrick Gables Association filed a $100 million lawsuit against NextG, Metro PCS and the Town of Hempstead in New York State Supreme Court.

Derek Donelly, president of the Merrick Gables Association, said the community group would also be announcing participation in the Metro PCS boycott at a Sept. 29 meeting, as well as publicly discussing the lawsuit.

Claudia Borecky, president of the North Merrick Community Association, said she will join the boycott. Borecky and Baker both said they will not join the lawsuit.

A Metro PCS representative could not be reached for comment , despite several calls and e-mails from the Herald.