Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
B.P. Molinaro opposed to placement of new cell phone towers on Staten Island
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Borough President James P. Molinaro today announced his opposition to the placement of new cellular phone reception towers in the Mid-Island area, citing health risks and quality of life as his major concerns.
“We do not yet know what the long-term effects on the health of people who live near these towers will be, and I am especially concerned about the welfare of children and pregnant women. One thing we can be sure of is that there will be no beneficial health effects,” Molinaro said.
The placement of a 100’ tower on the grounds of the Richmond Avenue Elks Club, at 3250 Richmond Avenue, Eltingville, has already been approved. Two other proposals are currently being evaluated: a 90’ tower to be placed on the grounds of Immanuel Lutheran Church, located at 2018 Richmond Avenue, New Springville, and an additional tower to be located at 1089 Rockland Avenue, on the property of The Island Swim Club, Heartland Village.
“I question the need for multiple towers located so close to one another, especially in residential areas,” Molinaro said. “I am confident, though, that my office will devise a solution that will be acceptable to all involved. Instead of towers being utilized by different service providers, the providers should be made to share one tower. Also, in an effort to keep Staten Island’s quality of life as high as possible, the tower should be located in a non-residential area, one example of which is the former Fresh Kills landfill. Placing the tower at this site would also allow the City of New York to collect much-needed revenue,” Molinaro said.
Molinaro will present testimony to the Board of Standards and Appeals on Tuesday, August 23, to express his opposition to the proposals.
“I understand that people would like better cell phone service and reception, but we cannot allow that to be achieved at the expense of the health and well-being of their fellow residents,” Molinaro concluded.
August 18, 2005