Planning Board Approves Installation of Controversial Cell Antennas

After months of testimony and meetings, the Westfield Planning Board voted unanimously last night to allow wireless provider Metro PCS to install six cell antennas on the roof of 264 Prospect Street.

"It's what I believe is best for the town of Westfield," said Board Chairman Vincent Wilt after the vote, which took place after three hours of testimony between representatives for Metro PCS, a local planner and angry residents.

Board members finally approved the project after experts from Metro PCS were able to assure the board that the company would move the antennas approximately six to eight feet back from the edge of the building in order to minimize the visual impact - the biggest concern of neighbors. 

During a meeting in July, Metro PCS had proposed putting the six cell antennas in three 18-inch wide cylinders in an attempt to disguise them. However, last night the board voted to have them just as six single antennas painted blue or gray to blend in with the sky. Board members agreed that the cylinders would be more visually intrusive.

Still some nearby residents were outraged, especially those who live at the Chelmsford condo building next door to 264 Prospect. They asked for the board to deny the application, saying they already have to look at about 20 cell phone antennas up on the building.

"We everyday are out there in the back. We have a barbeque pit. We walk to our cars," said resident Joellen Bard. "Enough is enough. These really belong on a commercial site," she said.

In fact, the building does already house almost two dozen antennas for T-Mobile and Spring Nextel. The board pointed out to residents that federal law prohibits the board from discriminating against companies who want access to similar ventures.

Saul Drittel, who also lives at the Chelmsford complex, said he's sick already of looking at all the antennas when he sits on his balcony. He said it's like looking at a porcupine.

"You're taking a beautiful building and making it very ugly," Drittel said. He asked for the board to deny the application in order to protect the integrity and character of Westfield.

One resident pleaded for the board to find an alternative site for the antennas. Wilt said he did check out other sites, like the roof of the Union County police building on North Avenue. However, Metro PCS has said that the roof of 264 Prospect is the most viable site in Westfield and will provide residents, businesses and emergency services with the best coverage.

"Ideally it would be better to have them some place else," said board member Robert Newell. But he pointed out that Metro PCS had proved in its testimony that it needs the 264 Prospect location.

But residents wondered when would the board draw the line at how many antennas can be put on residential buildings.

"When will it stop?" asked Drittle.

"How many more are going to go up?" asked Bard.

Chairman Wilt pointed out the board does not have the power to limit the number of cell antennas on buildings in the town. He said that's an issue for the town council.

Board member Bill Drew followed up saying the council has been alerted of the issue and plans to review the ordinance which stipulates how many cell antennas can be placed on buildings throughout the city.

"Until they do our hands are tied," Wilt said.

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