To the Editor:

The public will have one last opportunity at the Village Planning Board public hearing on Monday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. to provide input about construction of a cell tower on Agawam Lane. You can also email your comments to the planning board at altamontclerk@nycap.rr.com.

A reminder of a couple of things. Enterprise Consulting Services signed a contract with the village in 2013 that clearly states, per village officials, that, if all governmental approvals are not received, the contract to build the tower becomes null and void. In other words, if the planning board denies a special-use permit for the cell tower, it will not happen at the proposed site.

As an alternative, we recommend that village officials work with public and private entities to find an alternate location that still improves cell-phone coverage for area residents, but does not have a significant adverse impact on the village landscape, on surrounding property values, and on potential future health implications for our residents.

Since there is not another suitable village-owned property, the recommendation would be for the village to forego whatever revenue may be generated from the proposed site, which has not been made public, in the interests of a full exploration of alternative sites or co-location options that would both improve cell coverage, and preserve and protect our scenic resources.

Wouldn’t it seem reasonable to only permit construction of a new tower over the village after all other reasonable opportunities had been exhausted?

ECS stated it had done minimal exploration of alternate sites because the village came to the company with a workable site. However, the New York State Department of State Telecommunications Planning Manual clearly states, “The applicant should describe any other alternatives that were evaluated, including other geographical sites within the proposed service area.”

Further, the ECS document “Proposed New 4G Coverage in the Altamont Village Area” shows a large coverage area between Duanesburg and Voorheesville and it would seem that there would be many other locations is this area that would be high enough, less visible, and less residential, while still providing the improved service we all want.

And we should be reminded that, if the village special-use permit is approved, the contract with ECS allows ECS to increase the height of the tower by 20 feet to 140 feet without further review by the village, and that the number of tenant companies on the tower can be increased to four, again, without further review.

As the end of approval process approaches, I ask:

— Why would our village leaders opt for a tower over the village for limited revenues in the short term, when other sites may be available that would not affect our scenic heritage?

— Why would the village impose potential loss of property values among its neighbors and friends when other options may be available?

— Why would we take a chance with our residents’ health when the long-term effects of radio frequency radiation have yet to be determined?

— Why wouldn’t we try to follow the overall intent of the Altamont’s comprehensive plan to support improved telecommunications services while at the same time preserving our village character? Why can’t we do both?

The volunteer planning board has been given a tremendous responsibility in determining if the long-range and short-term impacts of a cell tower placed just above the village warrant a special-use permit. I think we should all commend its members for taking on this public service, knowing that their decisions will impact the character of the village for years to come.

Please come and let your thoughts be known next Monday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. at Village Hall.

Kristin Casey

Altamont