Don't give up on cell coverage

June 29, 2009 09:56 am

— While we understand the reasons for the town of Oneonta Zoning Board of Appeals’ denial of a plan to site a Verizon Wireless cell tower near the National Soccer Hall of Fame, we hope this isn’t the last we hear of a plan to bring cell-phone coverage to the West End.

Town officials had to navigate a morass of regulations in considering Verizon’s request, including town zoning codes, federal telecommunications legislation and applicable case law.

To grant a variance to the town code, officials needed to hear a proposal from Verizon that would convince them that the proposed tower would offer “safe and adequate service.”

The board would also need to be convinced that the site in question _ at 101 Browne St. _ was the best site.

Verizon representative Steve Ruppenthal said the Browne Street site was one of seven under consideration, adding that Browne Street was chosen because it was the best location.

However, Board Chairman Douglas Cannistra said the proposed 144-foot tower would provide coverage for only a two-mile radius.

Based on map readings, this radius would just barely reach the city line, and would not quite reach West Oneonta, covering only a limited portion of the West End.

It seems this wasn’t quite what Cannistra had in mind when he asked for “service for our people.” While Verizon attorney Clifford Rohde said he didn’t know what the company’s next step would be after the board denied the company’s request, we remain hopeful that the company will find other options for a tower.

While the area is populous enough that a stranded motorist would not have to travel too far to find aid, we still think it is important that the residents, business owners and employees of the West End have adequate cell service.

And while we sympathize with area residents’ concerns about cell phone towers spoiling the skyline, we’re willing to trade in a little less scenery if it will improve the quality of life for those who live and work in the area.

We hope that Verizon, and other providers, will not give up on this area, nor on other local areas where cell service is spotty or lacking. As cell phones become ubiquitous, robust cell service will help this area attract businesses and retain residents.

It may not always be easy for local officials, area residents and providers to agree, but it’s well worth trying.