AT&T Pulls Application for New Preston Hill Tower Proposal

NEW MILFORD A&T has put its proposal to erect a telecommunications tower on New Preston Hill Road, which drew vehement opposition from area residents and conservationists, on indefinite hold.

While AT&T continues to have a need in the area of northern New Milford and southern Kent, at this time AT&T has no specific timeline to move forward with the proposed site. As such, we will not be proceeding with the technical consultation, Daniel Laub of Cuddy & Feder wrote to Mayor Patricia Murphy in a letter dated Aug. 13 on behalf of the telecommunications company. It was also sent to New Milford, Washington and Kent land-use commissions as well as the first selectmen in the latter two towns, Mark Lyon and Bruce Adams, respectively.

Its a great thing for the area, David DeLuca, a New Milford resident, said in an interview Aug. 13 after receiving word of AT&Ts decision. Its a credit to all the neighbors who came together and all the associations that also opposed the proposal.

The cell tower, he said, would have done real harm to its natural beauty, to the environment and to peoples health.

Sarah Lee Martin of New Preston added, I am delighted that AT&T listened and heeded the voice of the community and cancelled the cell tower project. Our grassroots effort was a battle to preserve this beautiful corner of Connecticut.

The Zoning Commission opened a public information hearing May 27 on New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (AT&T)s proposal for a wireless telecommunications facility at 17 New Preston Hill Road.

AT&T stated in its technical report that the facility would provide services in the northeastern part of town New Preston Hill Road, Cherniske Road, Sawyer Hill Road and Frenchmen Road as well as nearby residential and commercial areas and the southern part of Kent.

The facility, with a 134-foot monopole, would have been installed at a 1,042-foot elevation, on a parcel of land leased from Maurice and Mary Grossenbacher.

According to the states general statutes, the telecommunications company is required to formally consult with town officials before filing an application with the State Siting Council, which makes the determination.

Several hundred local and area residents responded on record to the proposal. A petition on change.org opposing the tower garnered 370 signatures to date, according to Mr. DeLuca. Continued...

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AT&T Pulls Application for New Preston Hill Tower Proposal