Westerlo is currently facing a decision of whether or not to construct a 120-foot cell tower in order to improve cell service in the area. But some residents are more concerned about potential health risks and the visual impact.

WESTERLO — The committee working to increase broadband access in rural Westerlo wants to draft a new agreement with Mid-Hudson cable. The committee is asking residents who want service to make their needs known.

Verizon wants to close a coverage gap in the hilly rural terrain.

County officials said the height of a planned communications tower can reduced to 160 feet.

(Mrs.) Janet L. Haseley, Rensselaerville

Properly following the process might have resulted in a better plan both for public safety and for those who value the views.

In December, Scenic Rensselaerville, a group that court papers describe as having 170 members, many of them artists, sued the Albany County sheriff in December.

Despite differences in 2015 — ranging from placement of a sheriff’s tower to politics — residents of Rensselaerville pulled together.