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PURA approves AT&T small-cell installation near historic district in New Britain
Summary
The authority approved New Singular Wireless PCS LLC (doing business as AT&T) to install a small-cell wireless facility adjacent to 25 Forest Street in New Britain after finding the company met regulatory requirements and demonstrated need for added capacity despite an objection citing RF exposure and aesthetic impacts in a historic district.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority on Aug. 27 approved New Singular Wireless PCS LLC, doing business as AT&T, to install a small-cell wireless telecommunications facility on a utility pole in the public right of way adjacent to 25 Forest Street in New Britain. Authority staff concluded AT&T demonstrated a need for additional coverage and capacity at the site and that its application complied with relevant PURA decisions and state and federal laws.
Elizabeth Tanaka, authority staff attorney, presented the application and said AT&T identified an operational need to fill a coverage gap near 25 Forest Street. An owner identified in the record as William Osebchuk (owner of 24 or 25 Forest Street) objected, raising concerns about potential radio-frequency exposure and the aesthetic impact of an installation located in a historic district. Tanaka said the authority conducted discovery and held a hearing on the objections before recommending approval subject to orders in the decision.
The commissioners moved, seconded and adopted the decision by roll-call vote; Commissioner Karen, Vice Chairman David Arconti and Chair Marissa Gillette recorded yes votes. The transcript records staff’s view that AT&T demonstrated compliance with prior PURA decisions and applicable law; the meeting record does not include the full text of the decision’s conditions, which appear in the written order.
