Opposition attorney urges denial, says Verizon’s maps lack probative drive‑test data

Andrew Campanelli, an attorney who said he represents neighborhood interests, urged the Town of Ancram Planning Board to deny Homeland Towers and Verizon’s application, arguing the record lacks probative field data.

Campanelli told the board the applicant submitted “computer desktop generated propagation maps without any data” and said courts have rejected claims based only on such maps. “This is not based on data… Somebody sat at a desktop computer and prepared this map,” Campanelli said, adding that drive‑test results are the standard way carriers demonstrate precise coverage gaps.

Campanelli also argued the proposed site sits within the Route 22 Scenic Corridor Overlay Zone and that the town code’s objectives require minimizing towers. He said the application failed to document need, omitted photos of high‑impact hiking‑trail viewpoints, and thus understates visual harm. He concluded: “I respectfully submit for a number of reasons, the application has to be denied.”

Applicant counsel and consultants disputed Campanelli’s framing: they said Verizon prepared the RF report (Verizon’s logo appears on it), that low‑band gaps shown in propagation maps are probative for coverage‑need findings, and that Cityscape and the board’s technical consultant will independently review RF materials.

The board recorded Campanelli’s objections and asked the applicant to supply supplemental engineering and visual materials for review by the town’s consultants.