By Orange & Milford Residents Against the Old Tavern Road Cell Tower
(Editor’s note: The Connecticut Siting Council hearing that was to occur on Sept. 24 has been postponed. A new date has yet to be announced.)
Verizon’s proposal to construct an eight-story cell tower at 425 Old Tavern Rd. in Orange continues to spark a significant backlash from local residents. With the conclusion of the Connecticut Siting Council’s public hearing to address the tower on Sept. 24, it is clear that residents are united in their concerns, emphasizing the need for responsible planning that prioritizes both community well-being and the environment.
As noted in our op-ed last month, the proposed cell site would be placed in the wooded area on the corner of Old Tavern and Woodruff roads along the Orange/Milford line. The plan includes a 120-foot cell tower with an array of nine antennas and six remote radio heads. Vehicular access to the 35-foot by 90-foot fenced compound that would house the tower would extend from Woodruff Road over a new gravel access driveway to the cell site.
If approved, this would be the first cell tower constructed on privately owned residential land in Orange. There are over 30 Milford and Orange families within 1,000 feet of the proposed tower, some with homes less than 500 feet from the site.
One of the most pressing issues for residents is the potential impact on health and safety. Despite claims that cell towers operate within federal safety guidelines, many residents remain uneasy. Health studies about long-term exposure to radiofrequency radiation have mixed results, leaving a cloud of uncertainty that looms over the proposal. The apprehension felt by parents especially about the potential effects on children is palpable.
Another crucial aspect is environmental impact. This wooded area is a thriving ecosystem that supports local wildlife. The proposed site sits on a small sliver of land wedged between two wetlands adjacent to a FEMA flood zone. There is a history of ponding and water over the road in this area and significant flooding on Woodruff and Burnt Plains roads.
The water travels from the wetlands into the yards, garages and basements of neighboring residences.
Orange has undertaken significant efforts to improve overall water flow in this section of town. Recently work has focused on increasing the capacity of culverts on the Stubby Plain Brook on Old Town Road and Coachman’s Lane approximately 0.5 miles upstream from the site. The increased water flow to this area, coupled with the proposed removal of about 25 large trees and the grading and leveling required for the construction of an access road for the site would likely exacerbate the existing water issues.
Beyond any potential health risks and effects on flooding, there will be significant impact on the aesthetics of our area. The land at 425 Old Tavern Rd. was designated by the town as a “priority open space area” in 2015 with the intent that development would be done with careful attention to be sure the valuable natural characteristics of the sites are not compromised. The average height of the tree canopy in this area is around 80 feet. This tower would be a blight sitting two to three stories above the tree line. In addition, the tower would be in plain sight of several historically relevant structures. Multiple homes and barns on this section of Old Tavern Road date back to the 1800s, including the Treat Farm Barn – listed on the state Register of Historic Places – and Hayland Farm. These properties all reside less than 2,000 feet from the proposed tower.
For many the true need for this cell tower remains unclear. Coverage maps indicate that Verizon already provides robust service in the area, and with numerous existing towers nearby, residents question the necessity of yet another. Co-locating these antennas on an existing tower or exploring less intrusive locations for the cell tower, such as commercial or industrial zones, could meet Verizon’s needs without compromising the integrity of a residential neighborhood.
The opposition to Verizon’s proposed cell phone tower is rooted in legitimate concerns about health, environmental impact and preservation of historically significant areas of our town. Approval could set a concerning precedent, encouraging further encroachment into green spaces that are vital for both biodiversity and the community’s well-being.
It is crucial for Verizon to reassess this location and consider alternative solutions that balance the need for connectivity with the preservation of our community’s character. The future of our neighborhoods should be shaped by collaboration, not imposition.
Documentation about the project can be accessed on the Connecticut Siting Council website at portal.ct.gov/csc (Docket 523). If you would like to receive updates and show support for opposition to the tower you can visit stoptheoldtavernrdcelltower.com.
Orange & Milford Residents Against the Old Tavern Road Cell Tower includes Md Kaimul Ahsan, Lodrick and Norma Barton, Vic and Kathy Cimino, Robert and Edlira Curis, Catherine and Gregg Daskalon, Leonard and Sophia Daskalon, Michele Demore, Mike Dolan, Scott and Rachel Gaudet, Christian Haight, David Ho, Kevin Howe, Mathew and Smitha Jacob, Michelle and Phil Marinaccio, John and Elaine Segreto, Sherry Stewart and Ken Vaccaro, Jason Ucci, Jerry Ucci, and Murad Zaman.