Tough cell: Schuylerville residents debate building of phone tower

On the north side of Route 29 in Schuylerville, less than a mile from the Saratoga Monument, Albany-based developer Independent Towers, LLC seeks to build a 100-foot cell phone tower on private property. The tower has been designed to accommodate multiple phone carriers, but as of now only Verizon has shown interest.

Many in attendance at the hearing shared their views on the proposal with the Planning Board. A solution to the night’s controversial topic continues to be debated by residents of the village and of surrounding towns.

In a letter to the editor of Saratoga Today, Saratoga P.L.A.N. Executive Director Alane Chinian expressed their organization’s position on the proposal.

“Protection of the historic and cultural landscapes and sites is vital not only to understanding and interpreting our history, but also to the economic revitalization of the Village. That is why we are opposed to the siting and design of this cell tower as proposed,” Chinian said.

Ballston Spa photographer Michael Noonan also opposes the proposed placement of the tower.

Noonan has used the Saratoga Monument in his work for a few decades, and said he doesn’t want to have the visual element of the structure interfered with.

“I believe there are better alternatives,” he said. “I don’t know where to put the tower, just someplace where it won’t be an eyesore. I don’t have the answer.”

One possible location Noonan mentioned was at the school. Schuylerville School District Superintendent Leon Reed said they were approached and offered $1,200 a month to have the tower on campus near the school’s bus garage, but negotiations fizzled.

“The district hasn’t actively pursued this, and we’re not trying to compete. We’re not taking any position whatsoever,” Reed said. “If people want the school as a solution, I’ll bring it to the Board of Education. We just want to be a good neighbor.”

As a Northumberland resident, Reed supports improving communication in the area. Currently, he’s unable to receive cell phone calls at his home, and he believes better cell phone service could be a tremendous asset to the community.

Kate Leone, who lives in Northumberland and owns Blue Moon Bouquet located at 161 Broad St. in Schuylerville, is in favor of the tower. Leone put up a number of displays at the hearing illustrating the positive impacts the tower would have.

“People have cell phones and want to be able to use them,” she said. “They want to stay in contact with their loved ones and with work.”

Leone started volunteering at the Schuyler House when she was 11. She’s dipped candles, sewn period clothing, participated in reenactments, and done a great deal of research on the 18th century, and believes the cell phone tower won’t hurt heritage tourism one bit.

“During an effective interpretation, people can touch and feel the history that’s being shared. They won’t even notice a cell tower is there,” Leone said.

Sherry Doubleday has lived in the same house in Schuylerville since she was seven. To get cell phone service in her home she must stand in one of two specific spots.

An EMT with General Schuyler Emergency Squad for the past 23 years, Doubleday believes better cell phone service is a must for public safety. Since paramedics need to call hospitals for a doctor’s approval when administering drugs like morphine, she said frequent dropped calls and dead spots can cause people in pain to suffer longer.

Doubleday believes a lot of her fellow residents want better cell phone service, and are generally for getting a tower. She said the debate seems to be primarily over where the proposed tower should be located.

“You can already see other cell phone towers. What’s the big issue if you can see another one?” she said.

Terri Stripling commuted through Schuylerville for a number of years before moving there three years ago. The chemical engineer isn’t opposed to technology, but believes the proposed placement of the cell phone tower will tarnish the view shed.

“The view shed is beautiful, and it’s extremely important to preserve,” she said. “There wasn’t enough information about this proposal available to the public prior to the hearing. I had to dig deep. There needs to be more discussion about our alternatives.”

Kevin Martin, of Fort Miller, grew up in Schuylerville and lived in the area for 24 years. Martin said the village has changed a lot for better and for worse since he was a kid, and he doesn’t believe the tower will have any real impact on either the view shed or tourism.

“I don’t see any reason not to put it up. We need the service, and this tower won’t stop people who want to see the battlefield,” he said. “People want progress, just not in their backyard. Well, we’ve got to put this tower somewhere. Progress is coming whether they like it or not.”

Mayor John Sherman has remained neutral on the issue. Though Sherman believes the village definitely needs the cell tower, he said its location is a matter for the Planning Board to determine.

Board Chairman Robert Foster said the public comment period on the proposed cell tower has been expanded until Jan. 17. Written comments should be mailed to the Schuylerville Planning Board at 35 Spring St. in Schuylerville, and include a person’s name, village or town of residence, their stance on the tower proposal and why they feel that way.