The Planning Board hears an application for a cell tower on Airport Road. (Photo by Amy Porter)
WESTFIELD – The Planning Board on Tuesday heard a request for a special permit by Cellco Partnership (Verizon Wireless) for a cell tower at 53 Airport Road, and to schedule a public hearing and balloon demonstration. Last month, the board approved a special permit for a Verizon cell tower to be installed on Shaker Farms Country Club.
The proposed site would be right across from the entrance to Barnes Airport, according to Attorney Michael A. Fenton, who represented Verizon at the meeting. When asked if the airport had approved the site, Fenton replied that they had not had the opportunity to speak with the Airport as yet. “I fully expect them to call me,” he added. City Planner Jay Vinskey said the proposed site is also in the aquifer district.
Several board members said it was difficult to make a decision without the application in front of them. Vinskey said they only needed to set the dates for a demonstration and public hearing at the meeting.
Fenton said they would like to elevate a crane for one day at the height of the cell tower, which would be 95 feet, in lieu of flying a balloon.
“If you have a crane one day, why not another day,” said Planning Board member Cheryl Crowe. The board had waived their three-day rule for a balloon demonstration to two days for the previous cell tower application.
Planning Board member Jane Magarian asked whether the board should wait for the Airport Commission to review the plan, given that the tower would be “at the door of the restaurant.”
“That’s why you need three days,” said Planning Board chair William Carellas.
Planning Board member Robert Goyette said it would be better for abutters to do the demonstration on a work day, rather than a Saturday.
Michael A. Fenton spoke on behalf of the Verizon application for a cell tower.
Member Phillip McEwan asked whether Verizon had looked at alternative sites, and said he would prefer they choose a city-owned site nearby. “I don’t like a plan coming in with one choice – your choice,” he said. He said normally a special permit requires a fee for a study by a consultant, which was also waived for the last application.
“We’ll be happy to provide the study of alternate sites,” Fenton said, adding that Verizon would have done an extensive study before putting in an application. He said he would like to do the demonstration on Saturday, April 28.
“I’d suggest a weekday, or a Friday-Saturday, if you’re going to do it on multiple days,” Goyette repeated, to which Fenton agreed.
McEwan said he didn’t know why it couldn’t be moved 100 feet to municipal land. “If city land is available, and there is no difference in signal, I think the city should be paid rent for it,” he said. Fenton said that Verizon has an agreement with the landowner.
“We need to have expert eyes on it. Accept the check for a third party,” Goyette said.
Vinskey said the Planning Board will decide if the site is appropriate or not. He set the crane demonstration for Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28, and said they would accept the consultant fee. A public hearing was also set for May 15.
