For Immediate Release: February 22, 2010
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY - On Friday, February 19 the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) issued a permit to Verizon Wireless and the Duane Volunteer Fire Company authorizing the construction of a cellular tower and the collocation of emergency communication equipment. The tower, once constructed, will broaden cellular coverage along NYS Route 30 and help provide an important emergency service communication link in Franklin County.
The project site is located in the northern portion of the Town of Duane, Franklin County along the south side of County Route 26 on lands owned by the Duane Volunteer Fire Company. The approved tower will rise to a height of 80-feet tall. Verizon Wireless will attach a 12-panel array for cellular communication. In addition two whip antennas, one 18-foot for Franklin County Emergency Services and another 16-foot for the Duane Volunteer Fire Company will extend above the top of the tower for a total height of 98 and 96 feet respectively, were approved.
APA Executive Director Terry Martino said, "Cellular communication continues to improve in Franklin County as Verizon Wireless works to extend its network into the northwest region of the park. We anticipate additional proposals from Verizon and other carriers that will result in comprehensive coverage along this critical travel corridor. We are especially pleased that Franklin County Emergency Services and the Duane Volunteer Fire Department will have room to collocate their communication equipment which enhances their ability to respond to emergencies."
Agency staff determined the tower and antenna array would not be readily apparent from off site locations. The tower will be painted a dark grey or black color with a non-reflective or matte finish. This site is also located in close proximity to existing telephone and electric power.
This represents the third Verizon Wireless approval in 2010. At the January Park Agency meeting the board approved a simulated white pine tree tower in the Hamlet of Keene Valley, Town of Keene along State Route 73. An antenna replacement at Mt. Morris was also permitted in January.
Last year the agency issued 31 telecommunication permits. This included 14 new towers, 14 collocation projects, 1 replacement and 2 replacement/ collocation permits. To-date, including the recently approved Keene Valley and Duane permits, the Agency issued 195 telecommunication permits resulting in the construction of 118 structures.
Presently the agency is reviewing the following ten applications that will further enhance cellular coverage for residents and visitors: 1 in Town of Dresden (behind Hulett's Landing fire station), 1 in Town of Fine (NYS Route 3 - Star Lake hamlet), 1 in Town of Minerva (NYS Route 28 & More Memorial Hwy), 1 in Town of Chesterfield (Virginia Drive), 1 in Town of Clifton (NYS Route 3, Cranberry Lake), 1 in Town of Chester (NYS Route 9, Word of Life), 1 in Town of Wilmington (NY Route 86), 1 in Town of Queensbury (West Mountain Road), 1 in Town of Westport (Boyle Road), 1 in Town of Fort Ann (collocation on existing simulated tree tower).
The Agency's Towers Policy, revised in February of 2002, discourages mountaintop towers and promotes the collocation of facilities on existing structures. The policy is intended to protect the Adirondack Park's aesthetic and open space resources by describing how to site telecommunication towers so they are not readily apparent. The natural scenic character of the Adirondack Park is the foundation of the quality of life and economy of the region, long recognized as a uniquely special and valuable State and National treasure.
The policy also recognizes the importance for telecommunications and other technologies to support the needs of local residents, the visiting public and the park's economic sector. The policy includes guidance for telecommunication companies to ensure successful implementation of projects.
Guidance includes: avoiding locating facilities on mountaintops and ridge lines; concealing any structure by careful siting, using a topographic or vegetative foreground or backdrop; minimizing structure height and bulk; using color to blend with surroundings; and using existing buildings to locate facilities whenever possible.
The mission of the Adirondack Park Agency is to protect the public and private resources of the Adirondack Park through the exercise of the powers and duties of the Agency as provided by law. With its headquarters located in Ray Brook, the Agency also operates two Visitor Interpretive Centers, in Newcomb and Paul Smiths. For more information, call the APA at (518) 891-4050 or visit www.apa.state.ny.us.
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