Cell Tower Proximity and Coverage

Hi,

I'm looking for some insight on the proximity of a cell tower related to the signal. I live in Southern Saratoga County in New York and there is a cell tower being proposed on the property next to my own. In order for Verizon/Cellco to build the tower here, the zoning must be changed from R-1 (residential) to commercial. There are several surrounding neighbors who would prefer that the tower not be built in the middle of our beautiful neighborhood (where there are no other commercial parcels). The only argument we have are against the zoning change, and the fact that it will decrease our property values, and open the door for further commercial development in the future, ...not to mention having an ugly tower a few hundred feet away from our backyards. Many of us would like to preserve what little open land we have left in this area of our town. There are other options available that could effectively solve the gaps in coverage. I am aware that there are other factors such as obstructions, topography, etc, but there are most certainly other existing commercial options that could be pursued, rather than changing the zoning in our backyards.

I created this post because I would like some information regarding the distance of the tower related to our cell service. I know that many of us use cell phones as our primary line of communication now. I'm wondering if having the tower this close to us is going to benefit the ones who have to put up with having it there in the first place? I've heard that since we would be so close to the tower, the signal will not benefit us, and essentially "fly" over us. to reach the majority. Does anyone have an knowledge of this? I would appreciate any input!!

Thank you!

 

Thanks for the feedback! That's correct, I am trying to gather evidence against the tower. I know that its purpose is to benefit many people in the area for the growing use of phones and demand on existing towers, I just don't agree that it should be placed in the proposed location. Especially in hearing that it may not even have a benefit for the properties that it's intruding on. There are other locations available nearby that are already zoned commercial and could accommodate the tower.
In regards to the link you provided, thank you! but I actually already have a network extender in my home that helps out. The cell service here isn't great to begin with, but its enough. And it's actually gotten worse since this whole cell tower fight started in the spring; we think they may have dialed down the strength of the signal on the existing tower to prove a point...who knows.

Thanks again!

 

Palandri, that is an interesting point and something worth looking into. Thank you for the feedback!

KevinJames, I agree..I know that there are other factors, some of which may be above our heads as members of the community, for the location choice they made. However, they (Verizon) has mentioned plans to co-locate on an existing tower one exit down from us (maybe a couple of miles away) and potentially building a tower at the town's transfer station up the road. Based on the info we've received by attending the meetings, etc, it appears that these additions would solve a large portion of the issue. And since the tower they are proposing on the adjacent property would most likely not benefit the immediate neighbors, or even the neighborhoods directly surrounding us, what is the point in changing a residential zone to commercial just to build an unsightly tower? And as you mentioned, technology is advancing and these towers will most likely be replaced with smaller, less intrusive alternatives in upcoming years...while we'll be stuck with this for the duration of the 30-year lease..and that land will be zoned commercial permanently.

Ughh. I could go on and on.

Thank you for the feedback!