Verizon proposes cell tower near Pointe Au Roche; town asks for balloon test and local outreach

Verizon representative James LaValle told the Town of Beekmantown board on Feb. 17 that company site-selection data indicate a proposed tower near Pointe Au Roche would expand coverage in the area and “offload some of the usage from the Valcour Tower.” The presentation took place during a Verizon pre-application review attended by the town’s consultant, Paul Male (by phone), and town officials.

The board asked Verizon to conduct a balloon test at the proposed location to show how visible the tower would be and to complete local outreach before the town proceeds with a variance application and public hearing. Sam, a town participant who spoke during the meeting, said he “would like to speak to some of the area people to see what they have to say about their feelings towards this new tower.”

During the subsequent monthly meeting, several residents voiced concerns. Amy Murnane, speaking during audience comments, flagged potential tree removal and a health concern unrelated to the telecom presentation: she said the town has “that sewage swell smell everywhere” and described it as unhealthy. Doug Seamon recommended the town review USDA/DEC jurisdictional overlaps and re-check the local R-1 zoning rules before deciding on any siting. Peter Cadieux told the board Verizon representatives had visited Beekmantown previously and that, during the earlier outreach, “the balloon was not raised where the tower was going to be located” and had not been flown on a weekend so more residents could view it.

The board did not take any regulatory action at the Feb. 17 meeting. Next steps identified by the board: Verizon should fly the balloon to demonstrate visual impact, and the town will schedule community outreach and prepare variance paperwork in advance of a public hearing.