To the Editor:

I am a resident of Berne and am opposed to the current proposed Jansen Lane location for the telecommunications tower by the Albany County Sheriff’s Department. I believe, as many residents of Berne do, that, while there may be a need for improved emergency communication services, the current proposed site is not in keeping with the natural beauty of the landscape of the Hilltowns.

When I first heard about the proposed tower, I was concerned about its impact on the scenic landscape as I have seen how other telecommunication towers have marred the views and rural uniqueness of the Heldeberg escarpment. On the other hand, a part of me also knew that in many areas of the country and specifically in the New York State Adirondacks, similar towers have been strategically placed specifically to minimize or totally hide their impact. So I thought, if it can be done properly in the Adirondacks, surely it can be done properly here.  

Unfortunately it seems as though the Berne Planning Board and the Albany County Sheriff have been unwilling thus far to do the right thing by the residents of Berne and Knox as well as visitors traveling through the area. As we all know, residents and visitors alike do not come to Berne for the opportunities of shopping, theater, fine dining, museums, or other cultural experiences. They come for the beautiful views!

When my husband and I moved to Berne, we were well aware of that, knowing it would be at least a 30- to 45-minute drive to other areas for those kinds activities. We could have chosen to live elsewhere in the Capital District but we made the choice to live in Berne primarily because of the aesthetics of the rural landscape, and the beauty of the unmarred hills and forests.

Up until now, we have not been disappointed. We have made some wonderful friends and enjoy the quiet and beauty of our rural surroundings. In fact, all but one of our six adjacent neighbors have  moved to Berne from other locations, also for these reasons.

When we first moved here, friends and family asked why we moved to Berne, since it is so far from many things. However, once they came for a visit and saw for themselves the fabulous views from our property and the land around us, all of them have said, “This is so beautiful; now we know why you moved way out here.”

We, our neighbors, and many people that we have spoken with are opposed to the proposed Jansen Lane location of the tower. We are not opposed to better emergency communications with a tower in a less visually intrusive location.

As a registered nurse, I fully understand the need for accurate, available information during a medical emergency. I also know that there is a better solution than constructing a 180-foot tower in the center of town that will be seen for miles in every direction.

Unfortunately, I incorrectly assumed that there would be a fair review process with multiple opportunities for public input on the project. I also expected that the planning board would be requiring the county to provide accurate documentation and information in order to comply with the town of Berne's zoning code. This “process” thus far has been a sham.

I have become very disheartened by how the county has been steamrolling the planning board and town of Berne residents. It is an affront to the residents of any community for county officials, the sheriff, and county legislators, to blatantly ignore town ordinances and plans by passing an immunity resolution to circumvent these rules.

Actions such as these by political representatives, ensures that we, the citizens of our communities, feel distrustful and disenfranchised. Shame on you.

It is time for an honest process to take place, whereby town officials hold Albany County accountable and look to better serve our community in finding an alternate, much less visible location for the telecommunications tower.

We all know this can be done and should be done for our town.

Heidi Sengenberger

Berne