Set To Go: Planning Board Issues Siting Permit For Andes Cell Tower Construction

ANDES — The Andes Planning Board officially cleared the way for construction t on its long-awaited cell tower during its October 16th meeting.  After successfully navigating legal requirements, the Board approved a siting permit for Bluewing, the project’s contractor.  This decision gives Bluewing the green light to begin construction at a second site further north of the previously selected location near the Andes Rural Cemetery. 

The elevated site ensures service coverage to other areas of the town that could not be reached at the original site.    Bluewing had determined that the previous site would limit coverage strictly to Andes’ core business area along Main Street.  In contrast the new location covers not only Andes main business district, while extending north on route 28, northeast up Gladstone Hollow and south on County Highway l.  It is further from residences and the Andes Public School -- a critical consideration.

The Planning Board’s decision to issue a siting contract, followed approval by the Andes ZBA (Zoning Board of Appeals) to grant Bluewing’s request for a variance from the strict setback requirements in Local Law 2003-1—the local ordinance governing communication towers. The proposed 180-foot cell tower will sit 450 feet from the property line on one side, but fails short at 610 feet from the local law’s requirement of 650 feet on the other side.

With the ZBA’s approval of the set-back variance and feedback from the recent public hearing, the Planning Board moved ahead at its meeting with a remaining step--successfully completing Parts II and III of the long version of the Full Environmental Assessment Form, clearing the path for site permit approval.  Part I, had previously been completed by Mark Hoppe of Bluewing, with no changes made by the Board.  At the Public Hearing, Mark Hoppe indicated that once the siting permit was approved, some construction could be undertaken this Fall, weather permitting, but more than likely would start Spring of 2027. 

The Board’s attention then turned to a request for a boundary line adjustment made by former Andes Hotel owner, Derek Curl.  This adjustment would enable him to retain the parcel adjacent to the hotel, consisting of the guest rooms and courtyard.   With the sale of the hotel finalized, the Planning Board facilitated the Boundary Line Adjustment with Board Chairman, Bill Palmer, signing a new survey map to submit to the County. 

Curl and the hotel’s new managing owner Mark Kroekel, attended the meeting for the   signing and thanked the Board for its efficiency in handling what had turned out to be a more complicated transaction. When questioned whether there would be a Christmas tree lighting ceremony this year, Curl answered in the affirmative, adding that he will continue to take an active role in the community.

The Board met a half-hour earlier than its usual meeting time, to host a small party for Frank Winkler, a long-time Planning Board member and Andes resident, who is moving to Rochester to be nearer family.  After sharing a cake, the Board presented Frank with a plaque thanking him for his twenty-six years of service.

Photo: Looking on at the signing of the new survey map for Derek Curl’s ownership of the guest rooms and courtyard adjacent to the Andes Hotel are (top row from left to right):  Ritchie Gabriel- Andes Town Supervisor; Planning Board members, Frank Winkler, Cyndi Wright, Eric Benschoten; Mark Kroekel, Andes Hotel Managing owner, JoAnn Boerner, Planning Board Clerk. (Bottom row from left to right): Katherine Keys, Planning Board member; Derek Curl and Bill Palmer, Planning Board Chairman, signing the survey map.