A group of residents voiced their concerns against the construction of a 125-foot cell phone tower at 41 Pequot Avenue in Manorhaven Village at the Board of Trustees' most recent meeting held Thursday, Dec. 17.
Currently, there is a stop-work order on the site. Mayor Michael T. Meehan reiterated that there will be no action taken until this situation is resolved and that the village will continue to monitor the situation. The village's legal strategy will not be subject to public review or comment but as Village Attorney Gerard Terry commented, "the village position speaks for itself."
Mayor Meehan read a copy of the letter he sent to AG Towers that urged them to reconsider its installation based on an overwhelming negative response from the community. This resulted in legal demands from AG Towers and Verizon rejecting the proposal.
Residents also emphasized that parking within Manorhaven, in particular during the winter months, has become a serious "quality of life" issue. Recommendations included the suspension of restricted parking until snow is forecast. Sirens, phone systems and the automated village sign could alert residents that alternate side of the street parking would remain in effect until further notice. Mayor Meehan agreed with the severity of the problem and suggested that a pilot program be investigated. Peter Dejana urged the Board to take action and institute a program that won't punish residents.
At the meeting, the Board also approved the fire department budget and sign installation in addition to other administrative resolutions.
In addition to its regular meeting, the Manorhaven Board of Trustees held a public hearing Thursday.
The public hearing discussed the 2010 contract between Manorhaven and the Port Fire Department and the installation of three new stop signs at Orchard Beach Boulevard and Kaywood, Linwood and Norwood Roads. Tom McDonough, Chief of the Port Washington Fire Department, cited statistics regarding the number of calls, both fire-related and medical, the department received and noted the budget is less than last year's.
In addition to the mayor and Terry, trustees John Di Leo, Jr. , Brendan Fahey and Rita Dilucia, Deputy Mayor Patrick Brostowin, and Village Clerk Jonathan Fielding were in attendance.
