Residents Opposed to Shandaken Cell Tower Change

SHANDAKEN - The September 8 meeting of the Shandaken Town Board opened at Town Hall with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Supervisor Pete DiSclafani noted the evening would center on two public hearings: one on appointing alternates to the Planning and Zoning Boards, and the other on telecommunications law.

The first hearing on alternates was brief. The proposal allows the Town Board to appoint alternates who would fill in when members are absent or face conflicts of interest. Residents asked how people would be selected, and the board explained appointments would be made through applications. Zoning Board member Hank Williams said alternates should attend every meeting to stay informed. 

After discussion, the law was approved. The second hearing on telecommunications dominated the night. The proposal would raise the tower height limit from 180 feet to 199 feet and adjust setback requirements. Officials said this would help colocate Verizon’s equipment with Ulster County’s emergency radio system, improving 911 coverage during floods and other disasters. 

Residents expressed strong objections. Sam Hayes, who lives next to the proposed site, said the law would allow towers dangerously close to homes. “I’m not against 911 service,” he said. “But there are other sites that would work better.” Al Flegel added that he first supported the project but changed his mind once he realized it would block his neighbor’s view. Bob Cross and others offered alternative sites, saying the county should invest in better options rather than raising tower height.

Former official Harry Jameson reminded the board that town plans from 1994 and 2005 stressed protecting Route 28’s scenic vistas. Neighbor Stephen Maninelli worried the amendment could let Verizon move the base near his home, lowering property values and creating health concerns. Others supported improved service. Resident Angela Gindo described how her cardiac device depends on cellular connectivity. County planner Dennis Doyle explained that 95 percent of 911 calls now come from cell phones and argued colocating emergency radio with cell carriers is efficient. 

Conservation Advisory Council member Beth Waterman added that emergency preparedness depends on reliable communication. Still, Hank Williams of the ZBA criticized the board, saying the amendment undercut his board’s earlier denial of a variance. He called it “spot zoning” designed for one project. The board emphasized that the law was not site-specific but admitted it would affect the Verizon proposal under review. 

By tabling the amendment, members said they hoped to balance the need for emergency communications with residents’ concerns about health, property values, and the town’s rural character.

In addition to the hearings, the board handled routine business. The meeting included committee reports on ambulance calls, building permits, police activity, and water systems in Phoenicia and Pine Hill. Reports highlighted infrastructure challenges, including aging pumps at the Phoenicia water plant, and called for long-term investment. 

The meeting continued with other business. The board appointed a new Planning Board member, approved a kennel volunteer, and advertised for a Pine Hill Water Commissioner. Members supported Ulster County’s replacement of the Bridge Street bridge and backed a $4.5 million New York Forward grant for Pine Hill. A flood buyout for 38 Main Street in Phoenicia was also approved. 

The evening ended with the board reaffirming its commitment to improving both emergency services and cell coverage while respecting community concerns.