RSS 2.0 FeedJuly 1, 2010, Merrick Life
T-Mobile speaks to NM Civics
Community forum discusses the possible installation of a cell tower on the roof of the North Merrick Library.
A proposed cell phone tower at the North Merrick Library was discussed at last week’s meeting of the North Merrick Civic Association at the library. Library Director Tom Witt introduced Tom Erwin of T-Mobile to speak to members about a proposal from the cell phone service provider.
Library board President William Pezzulo said that the present flag pole at the library needs replacement. Replacement poles average about $2,500 every two or three years.
According to Mr. Erwin, T-Mobile is suggesting that the company will replace the pole free of charge. There is a “hole” in the North Merrick area that the service provider wants to fill. The new pole would stand 50 feet tall, with a diameter of 22 inches, and would house the circuitry for a T-Mobile cell antennae. T-Mobile would pay a leasing fee to the library, which could help defray costs for taxpayers.
Since the recent surreptitious installation of cell phone antennae in the Merricks, many people had a lot to say on the subject. Next G and Metro PCS, who set up equipment on Verizon telephone poles, have caused a great deal of anger in the area against cell phone service providers.
One resident wanted reassurance that T-Mobile would be the only provider on the flag pole. Mr. Erwin said, “We are in the business of selling service,” not providing equipment for other carriers.
A representative from Moms of Merrick, a group fighting the installation of cell antennae near homes and schools told Mr. Erwin, “I feel respected [that you have come to speak to us].”
However, she added that scientific uncertainty about health concerns would lead her to err on the side of safety. It was suggested that T-Mobile work with members of the community to find a better cell tower location than the front of the library.
Mr. Erwin said that the rays emitted by the T-Mobile antennae are no stronger than the signals from the UHF television channels 14 and up that were in use some years back.
In support of the cell company, one meeting attendee said, “Everyone who has a cell phone has implicitly voted for a cell phone tower.”
NMCA President Claudia Borecky asked Mr. Pezzulo to meet with the public again before making any decisions on the matter. It was agreed that he would.
POP reports
Problem-Oriented Police Officer Rob Segretto said 11 windshields were smashed in a recent spree. Police are questioning a suspect regarding the incident.
During the last month, police made three heroin arrests. Officer Segretto said that undercover police are working hard to identify the big dealers. If anyone sees anything suspicious, they are asked to call 911.
A North Merrick resident said furniture trucks are parking in the neighborhood to make some extra sales. Officer Segretto warned that a peddlers’ license is necessary to go into neighborhoods selling items.
In another incident, Officer Segretto warned that a young boy in Wantagh was approached by two men in a black car. The young boy got on his bicycle and peddled home quickly. After telling his parents about the incident, police were called to investigate.
John Lufrano, program director of the Neighborhood Watch Program, said that members are providing a lot of information to the police. If anyone prefers anonymity, they can call 911 and ask that they not be contacted by police. In the alternative, Mr. Lufrano suggested that members can call their block captains or him in order to pass information on to police.
A resident asked what could be done about the upcoming, illegal, Fourth of July fireworks. Again, Officer Segretto advised calling 911. “Every call gets answered,” said the officer.
Other business
NMCA President Borecky said that liaison Dan Yngstrom would be attending an upcoming meeting of the Hempstead Town Board to be sure the town will install a stop sign on Camp Avenue and Chapin.
Members of the North Merrick community were urged to join the civic association if they have not already done so. Mr. Lufrano and Ms. Borecky said the annual family dues are $20. The funds collected go toward providing enhancements to the community, such as the Eggstravaganza for school children. Joining is easy – simply visit www.northmerrickcivic.com. The application as well as payment options are available at the site.