Ulster County committee approves SEQR negative declaration for Rosendale public‑safety radio tower

The Energy, Environment, and Sustainability Committee voted to adopt a State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) negative declaration for construction of a public‑safety radio tower and associated site work at 1915–1925 Lucas Avenue in Rosendale.

Everett Erickson, director of Emergency Services, described the proposed tower as part of a 16‑site county public‑safety radio system intended to fix coverage gaps and improve interoperability among fire, police and EMS. Erickson said the upgrade is needed so different agencies can communicate during large incidents, calling the problem ‘‘a public safety issue.’’

County attorney (or counsel) Director Doyle explained the negative declaration assessment: the proposed disturbance is less than an acre; the project will be reviewed for impacts to wetlands, endangered species, historic resources and air quality; the county conducted a balloon test to assess visibility and completed NEPA/SHPO coordination. Doyle said the county completed an electromagnetic emissions (EME) study that, by federal comparison methods, shows exposures below federal limits for both controlled and public (uncontrolled) scenarios.

Several legislators raised community concerns about visual impacts, zoning preemption and timing. Doyle said the county has sought a Monroe‑case determination to address whether the project can be exempt from local zoning; he described nine statutory tests the town must consider. Committee members asked whether postponing action a month (to coincide with a public hearing in Rosendale) would jeopardize project sequencing. Doyle and Erickson said a one‑month delay was workable but warned timing could affect system buildout schedules; the county also retains options to rescind the negative declaration if new information warranted it.

Legislator Nolan moved the resolution and Legislator Peters seconded. The committee adopted the negative declaration by voice vote and the resolution passed.

The approval is an early procedural step. Doyle and Erickson noted additional steps remain, including intermunicipal agreements, any required easements, town determinations on zoning exemptions, and bonding and contract approvals before construction.