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"As residents, we would love cellphone coverage up in northern Ridgefield," resident Pricilla Prentice said during a public hearing Wednesday night.
A possible Conservation Commission land purchase could have made getting a cell tower there simpler. At a special meeting earlier this month, the Board of Selectmen heard about the proposed $825,000 purchase and suggested to the commission that the town might buy a parcel of that land at a later date for a cell tower.
However, the Conservation Commission made it clear that the property off Old Stagecoach Road will not be used for any reason other than conservation. That means no cell tower in that area of northern Ridgefield.
“I went back to the commission and discussed the pros and cons of setting aside land for the possibility to purchase,” said Benjamin Oko of the Conservation Commission. “We the commission have said that if we’re going to buy this with our money, we’re not going to set aside a piece of this land for a cell tower.”
Residents at a public hearing Wednesday night did not disagree with the purchase of 28 acres for open space. But many wondered whether a cell tower would be added to the area.
“I’m very happy to hear about the open space project — I am in support of that. But I’m primarily concerned about the cell service on the north side,” said Alex Harris, speaking in favor of adding a cell tower. He asked what the residents could do to ensure that a cell tower was built in that area.
For Nora Suppers, a cell tower in northern Ridgefield isn't just an added convenience but is also a matter of health and welfare. "I'm definitely in favor of a cell tower," she said. "We have experienced enough outages, had our land line not available to us and in many instances where it has been a danger, a health and welfare issue, which I feel can be addressed by the town."
But First Selectman Rudy Marconi said, “We recognize that it won’t be on this property. A private company is looking at other places in Ridgefield to put a cell tower, he said. The company would make an announcement by the first of 2013 if there will be a private land purchase for a possible cell tower in the area, he said.
What do you think of putting a cell tower in northern Ridgefield? Email reporter Alissa Smith or leave a comment below.
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