SALISBURY — First Selectman Curtis Rand told the Board of Selectmen at the regular meeting of the selectmen Monday, May 3, that he is aware of the concerns over a proposed cell tower in Lakeville.
Rand referred to “consternation” among residents over the cell tower and possible changes in Inland Wetlands regulations. He asked townspeople to be patient and to “pull in the same direction.”
On the cell tower, Rand said that the decision is up to the Connecticut Siting Council and because the site is private property, the town’s ability to influence the process is limited.
The cell tower at Salisbury School (which Rand noted is scheduled to be activated, some five years after its construction) involved the town because the site abuts town property. The cell tower in downtown Salisbury is on town property.
As far as the Lakeville tower is concerned, Rand said AT&T flew a balloon at the site (106 Sharon Road) last year at 150 feet, and the State Historic Preservation Office subsequently required the height be lowered to 94 feet.
AT&T, after some urging from Rand, flew a second balloon at 94 feet on Friday, May 7. The balloon was visible from the town Grove but was not particularly easy to spot (see photo).
Rand said he sent a letter supporting the tower because he had received numerous complaints over the years about the lack of cell service in Lakeville.
But he added that he is aware of the concerns of residents who live around Lake Wononscopomuc and is happy to make those concerns known to the Siting Council.
As far as wetlands regulations go, Rand said the commission is charged with bringing town regulations in line with state regulations, but “there’s no urgency on this.”
Rand reported that there are four individuals with ideas for a future use for the old railroad station building on Ethan Allen Street in Lakeville.
He said, and selectmen Don Mayland and Chris Williams agreed, that he is reluctant to move forward on any proposal until the question of the Holley Street affordable housing development, and related issues over parking, are resolved. (The Planning and Zoning Commission will vote on the Holley Street application on May 17).
In the meantime, the town will maintain the railroad station building.
Rand said it is likely the yearly sticker fee for the Salisbury-Sharon Transfer Station will increase this summer, from $100 to either $110 or $120.
Rand said there are more people using the transfer station, and thus more waste, and that expenses are increasing “dramatically,” particularly as the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority (MIRA) trash-to-energy plant in Hartford prepares for closing.
The selectmen discussed traffic and speeding on Route 44. Rand noted that flashing beacons for downtown Salisbury are out to bid.
He also said that there was a study some 11 years ago on the possibility of a median island on Route 44 west of Lakeville. “I think we should dust that plan off.”
He said he would bring it up with the state Department of Transportation.
