By Jennifer La Lima
But, speaking at a recent North Bellmore Civic Association meeting, a number of residents raised concerns about the possible health effects associated with the radio-frequency radiation given off by cellular antennae.
North Bellmore fire officials said the Verizon tower would replace the department's communications tower, which fire Commissioner Peter Gibbons said is aging and will need to be replaced. Gibbons said that replacing the communications tower was his top priority, and he asked for community support in erecting a new tower. He noted that a number of departments use it.
Gibbons said that taxpayers would foot the bill for a new communications tower if Verizon were to take its business elsewhere. But at least some residents said they would rather pay the taxes than have a cell tower near their homes.
Verizon is looking at other possible locations for the cell tower in North Bellmore, as there is a gap in cell-phone service in the area. "Cell services are actively pursuing other businesses," said Gibbons. "If another tower goes up in this town, because Verizon is pushing for it, we will get no benefit from it. We will also have another tower to look at."
Fire officials said they have not yet signed a lease agreement with Verizon. But they noted that, after five years, the $25,000 in income it would generate for the department would increase roughly 4 percent annually.
The new tower would be 150 feet tall, slightly taller than the current communications tower, according to Gibbons. Verizon wants to place six 30-inch antennae atop it. Gibbons said Verizon would position the antennae in such a way as to mask the tower's size. For example, the company could combine the six antennae in three groups of two, keeping the structures as close together as possible.
Verizon would be the only cellular provider allowed to use the tower, and the structure would belong to the North Bellmore department.
Nearby resident Scott Belovin questioned the safety of the cell tower, and expressed concern that it could reduce the property values of area homes. "The perception is going to be that there is a cell-phone tower in this area, and I don't want my kids sleeping near a cell tower," said Belovin.
Gibbons said there is no sound evidence proving that cell-tower emissions affect health.
Reinaldo Nunez is the president of the North Bellmore Civic Association, which was established in June 2000 when residents were outraged that a cell tower was erected overnight on Jerusalem Avenue without much community notification. Nunez said it would be difficult to contest the cell tower, because Verizon is looking for another location in town. "I want what the community wants," he said. "Verizon has been trying for three years, and we happen to have an inconspicuous spot. [Verizon] is demanding that by law they have the right to put up a tower where they have a gap in service."
subhead: In other news...
Plans for a Jerusalem Avenue improvement project, which include a proposal for a clock tower, are progressing. A blueprint for the clock tower, which would sit in front of Stop and Shop at the corner of Jerusalem and Newbridge Road, is not yet final. Stop and Shop is determining a budget for it.
Local resident Steven Kozlowski said the clock tower would be an attractive landmark to greet drivers as they came off the Southern State Parkway. "Communities are defined by their main roads," said Kozlowski. "Our intention is to bring up the value of the community."
The clock tower would be midnight blue, and the pavilion would be illuminated by two light posts and feature a North Bellmore sign.
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