T-Mobile's cell tower proposal for the top of the Farmingdale Wantagh Jewish Center, a plan that has generated much opposition from neighbors, is set to go before the Hempstead Board of Zoning Appeals Wednesday morning.
T-Mobile is requesting permission to install six concealed wireless communication antennas and equipment cabinets on the roof of the synagogue, which is located on 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh. The wireless provider's zoning board case is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Nathan L.H. Bennett Pavilion in Hempstead Village.
Many Wantagh residents have come out against T-Mobile's plan due to fears that cell towers are unsafe, unsightly and will have an adverse effect on their neighborhood property values. T-Mobile has argued that the its application for the Farmingdale Wantagh Jewish Center "strikes the optimal balance between the needs of local wireless users and the interests of residents."
On Sept. 21 the Hempstead Town Board approved legislation aimed at banning new cell towers or antennas within 1,500 feet of homes, schools, daycare centers or houses of worship. However the distance restrictions in the town's new ordinance do not apply to cell tower applications that had already been scheduled to go before the zoning board including T-Mobile's Farmingdale Wantagh Jewish Center proposal, according to Hempstead Town Attorney Joe Ra.
People unable to attend Wednesday's zoning board hearing on the Farmingdale Wantagh Jewish Center cell tower proposal can fill out a comment form on the Town of Hempstead's website.
