This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Old Field Forms Committee to Address Possible Lighthouse Cellular Antenna

An unidentified party has proposed installing a cell phone antenna atop the lighthouse.

After an unidentified party expressed interest in the installation of a cell phone antenna atop the historic Old Field lighthouse, the village board said Tuesday it has formed a committee to discuss such a move with the interested person or group.

Village officials emphasized that all discussion of a cell phone antenna is in the initial exploratory stages and many hurdles would have to be cleared before any plans could be implemented. They openly discussed the idea during the meeting, but declined to comment further after it ended.

If installed at the lighthouse, a cell phone antenna could potentially bring revenue into the village and improve reception for the customers of whichever company uses it.

It is believed that if approved, the village would build the antenna and receive a monthly payment from the interested party, which would lease it to a cellular communications company. There is no indication yet of which company would transmit from the antenna. The village also said it hopes the company doing the installation would be responsible for obtaining the necessary permits.

Some at the meeting were unsure whether building the antenna would be a positive move for the village, including John Casciano, the head of the new committee.

Find out what's happening in Three Villagewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Is there enough revenue to account for the discomfort?” Casciano asked.

Even if the village decides to act on a proposal, numerous hurdles would have to be cleared first. Mayor Michael Levine said the Coast Guard and New York State may have to approve the structure, and said if the land is used for commercial purposes, it's possible that the state may reclaim it. Depending on the structure, an environmental study may also need to be completed.

“The land must be maintained for park purposes, [but] the lighthouse is a structure,” said Levine, who noted that the legal interpretation could have an impact on the state’s role. “It’s not a novel idea to commercialize certain aspects.”

The area around the lighthouse, which was completed in 1869 and stands 28 feet tall according to a village historical account, is locally known as an area of poor cell phone reception. Levine acknowledged that Tuesday, saying, “I don’t have cell reception in my house.”

Find out what's happening in Three Villagewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Village Elections Set for March 15

Three trustees are running unopposed in the upcoming village board elections. Jeff Owen, Stephen Shybunko, and Gail Habicht are seeking new two-year terms, which are non-compensated positions within the village. Residents can vote between 12 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Village Hall on Tuesday, March 15.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?