By Howard Goldstein
The fire communications pole, now between 20 and 22 years old, needs to be replaced. According to Christensen, Verizon had offered to undertake the $300,000 to $400,000 cost of replacing the pole, if the company was permitted to install one cellular tower.
Cellular towers are a hot and controversial issue on Long Island. There is no direct proof that the towers pose a health hazard, but opponents of cell towers in residential areas say there is no evidence that they are not a hazard.
"It would be right over Newbridge Road School. We don't want to take any chances with our kids," said Christensen.
The North Bellmore Civic Association became aware of plans for a tower a few days before their Aug. 7 meeting, at which the organization unanimously voted to oppose the proposal.
The group had lost a battle to stop a cell tower at Jerusalem Avenue and Newbridge Road in 2000. The NBCA had just formed, and there was insufficient time to do anything about the pole, according to Christensen.
The group's recent efforts to oppose the firehouse tower were supported by the South Shore Council of Civic Associations and civic organizations in Bellmore and Merrick.
Fire Commissioner Angelo Catalano initially wanted Verizon to replace the pole, but wished to hear residents' concerns before moving ahead with the project.
"We all work together to make the community better," said Christensen. "The fire department is always great. We all want what's best. There was no friction between Commissioner Catalano and our group whatsoever."
According to Christensen, objections to the pole were raised at a recent Board of Fire Commissioners meeting.
The board discussed the pole with an engineer, who said that the current structure was not in imminent danger of collapse, and could be retained for up to another year and a half. This would give the fire company enough time to figure the cost of a new pole into its budget.
According to Catalano, there will be no cellular tower, said Christensen.
"We are very happy at how this worked out. Cell towers are always a cause for concern, and we are grateful to the fire department for being so accommodating," said Christensen.
