NextG Asks Scarsdale To Allow Antennas on Residential Streets

NextG Asks Scarsdale To Allow Antennas on Residential Streets

Wednesday, 28 March 2012 10:55

Last Updated: Wednesday, 28 March 2012 12:07

Published: Wednesday, 28 March 2012 10:55

nextg2 Scarsdale could be the next community to have distributed antennas installed in residential neighborhoods if NextG Networks has their way. The network has filed a petition to amend Scarsdale Village Zoning Code to allow for the mounting of distributed antenna system (DAS) transmitters on utility poles in 15 locations in the village. (See locations below)

These transmitters are housed in large gray boxes that are mounted on Con Edison or Verizon utility poles to carry voice and data traffic for telecommunications. NextG contracts with multiple telecommunications providers for utilization of their service. In order to install the 15 nodes NextG has entered into pole attachment agreements with Con Ed and Verizon and is seeking approval to install the boxes in Village “right-of-ways.”

Since the Planning Board has the power to review and approve the installation of “wireless telecommunications facilities” anywhere in the Village, NextG’s attorneys have filed the petition but in it argue that they are not “wireless telecommunications” but a “utility.” Currently Village code requires that the “wireless communications facility” be at least 350 feet from the nearest home, school, daycare center or place of worship, but NextG proposes to install these at closer range and is therefore asking the Planning Board to amend the code to allow them to install the antennas on existing utility poles.

Their attorney’s DelBello, Donnellan, Weingarten, Wise and Wiederkehr of White Plains argue that changing the code would “eliminate an impediment that could potentially have the effect of prohibiting the ability of any entity to provide any interstate or intrastate telephone telecommunication service,” under Federal law. If the Planning Board decides not to amend the code, Next G could file individual variances to post their antennas in the 15 locations listed below.

The application was on the agenda of the March 21, 2012 Planning Board meeting and the Board discussed it and held over a decision to a subsequent meeting to allow time for a work session on the matter.

NextG claims that the installation of their antennas would improve the quality of wireless telephone and data service for Scarsdale residents, but at what price? According to a group called Grassroots Environmental Education , these antennas emit non-ionizing or low-frequency electromagnetic radiation know as RF radiation that could cause health problems.

In a letter to Scarsdale10583, Deborah Kopald, a public health advocate warned against the risks of DAS, saying:

"The cell transmitters-on-poles phenomenon, known as DAS, or Distributed Antennae Systems, are exposing more people to more radiation in their own neighborhoods than they were ever exposed to by most cell towers due to transmitter proximity. … The rollout of DAS is an unprecedented power grab by utilities; since the pulsed microwave radiation coming out of transmitters is odorless, colorless and tasteless, most people are not aware there is a serious issue afoot. Many of those that do realize the magnitude of the issue make a feeble protest effort when it is too late and the contracts are practically signed. Meanwhile, the EU and the Council of Europe have called effectively for transmitter-free zones in and around schools, hospitals and old-age homes."

The same law firm also filed an application to the Town of Greenburgh on behalf of NextG to install antennas on residential streets in Edgemont. The Greenburgh Town Board is in the process of hiring lawyers with expertise in federal telecommunications to advise them before they issue special use permits to install the equipment on utility poles there. Arguing against their installation, residents asked the Town to require Next G to show why they could not achieve adequate coverage by placing the antennas in “as of right locations” such as Central Avenue. Learn more about the issue in Edgemont here :

If you have concerns, email the Planning Department at planning@scarsdale.com.

Here is a list of the locations of the 15 proposed nodes in Scarsdale: