By Dan Israeli
On Nov. 30, the FSUNA will host the Refuse to Lose Family Food Fest at the St. Thomas the Apostle Church. The all-you-can-eat fund-raiser will benefit the legal and expert fees the association needs to prepare for the upcoming Dec. 6 meeting of the Hempstead Town Board of Zoning Appeals, which should ultimately determine whether or not a 65-foot cell tower will be erected by Omnipoint Communications, Inc./T-Mobile in the Franklin Bridge Centre's rear parking lot.
Ever since the tower was proposed by T-Mobile representatives in June 2006, residents in Franklin Square and neighboring West Hempstead have spoke out in opposition to its construction, due to the tower's proximity to their homes and the detriment it will cause as an eyesore. Neighbors also argue the need for the tower, and whether a gap in wireless coverage exists in the area, a claim being made by T-Mobile representatives.
According to Ron Lipsky, president of FSUNA, neighbors have already raised a little over $6,000 for the "Refuse to Lose" campaign, but will need to raise a lot more to cover the expenses of an attorney and engineering expert, who would both provide testimony at the upcoming zoning board hearing.
The last hearing in September lasted over 11 hours, when it was determined that more data was needed from T-Mobile, and a decision on the cell tower was never reached. The FSUNA was represented by its legal expert, Richard Comi. Last year, the group spent roughly $22,000 in legal and expert fees.
Neither a representative for T-Mobile, nor Umberto Polsinelli, the landlord of Franklin Bridge Center, were immediately available for comment.
The upcoming Food Fest will include over 40 home-cooked local favorites such as Mrs. Joffe's Livacious Lasagna and Mrs. Bishop's Breathtaking Fat Free Chili. It is Lipsky's goal to bring the community together for a fun time, while also raising money for the cause. "Everything that we do is to continue building awareness," he said. "This issue is at its peak awareness as far as media coverage is concerned, and a lot of other communities with similar problems have been calling. They're asking for help."
Lipsky has been very open in his stance that the area doesn't need the cell tower, and that a gap in coverage doesn't exist. The FSUNA has already conducted its own test of T-Mobile service in the area, having made 100 cell phone calls from the site of the proposed tower, which Lipsky said had all gone through.
"We believe that they need this tower simply to offset the usage of their other towers, which get loaded at night," said Lipsky, referring to the peak calling time for wireless users. "The spike in usage is at night. There is no gap in coverage like they are referring to. The proof is in the pudding."
Speaking of which, guests at the Refuse to Lose Food Fest can dine on Mrs. Binetti's Ravishing Rice Pudding, along with a variety of other homemade desserts, including Mrs. Bender's Blissful Apple, Blueberry and Peach Pies, and Joanie's Jubilant Cupcakes.
The push against the cell tower has also received support from local legislators, three of whom have been vocal in their resistance. Town Councilman Ed Ambrosino and Legislator Vincent Muscarella have both sent letters in support of their constituents, stating that the tower does not belong in a residential neighborhood. Additionally, Assemblyman Thomas Alfano has also voiced his support for the FSUNA, and the need to make a strong case at the upcoming hearing.
"We are at a very sensitive juncture with this cell tower," said Scott Cushing, Alfano's chief of staff. "We have to make sure [the residents] have the resources they need to present the most complete argument to the zoning board. T-Mobile can run out the clock and drag the whole process out. They don't need to hold fundraising dinners. This whole process has been disgraceful, and that's why this community is up in arms."
Cushing added that Alfano felt the cell phone company acted inappropriately and ill-advisedly in their selection of a tower site, and basically jammed the proposal down the neighbors throats. "These cell phone companies really don't do their homework," he said. "We have been very clear on this issue - no how, no way, no cell phone tower."
Alfano does plan on attending the Dec. 6 hearing in person, but will have a statement presented on his behalf should a legislative matter interfere with his schedule. According to Lipsky, the support of local politicians and the testimony of experts should only confirm what he has felt from his fellow residents.
"My feeling is that if I've spoken to 100 percent of community members, I'd say 95 percent of the people are against the tower," he said. "I hope to get a decision soon, and I hope it is in our favor."
The Refuse to Lose Family Food Fest will take place at the St. Thomas the Apostle Church on Westminster Road in West Hempstead, between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children six to 15, and $10 for seniors. Children five and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the UPS Store on Dogwood Avenue in Franklin Square, online at fsuna.com, or at the door.
Comments about this story? DIsraeli@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 214.
