The following letter was published in this week’s issue of the Gazette.
To the Editor,
On August 15, in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaias, the following was sent to our village board. The sole response was a note from Trustee Ann Gallelli stating, “Your points regarding the importance of reliable communications are well taken.” Otherwise, total silence.
“As you are aware, cell phone service along the Croton River, and in other areas of the village as well, is spotty at best. There are periods when it is just not possible to make contact with anyone via cell phone.
“This board seems to have unlimited hours to devote to the dog park—the dog park!!—and millions of your dollars to squander on ill-advised projects like Croton Point Avenue and Gouveia Park. Ms. Gallelli, in these pages, rightly railed against Con Ed and Altice pointing out the “critical need for TV, internet and phone services.” But where are she and her colleagues when it comes to ensuring such critical cell phone service for many of us in the village for whom it might be essential to preserve our lives? Nowhere to be found! Is her statement just gross hypocrisy? Or is it just one more example of a board that loves big projects, but has nothing but contempt for its constituents.”
Normally, this is just an inconvenience, but during the emergency we just experienced, when all other forms of communication are inoperable for an extended period, it raises a critical concern. Had we experienced a medical or other emergency, we might have been unable to summon help. I do not have to explain to you the possible consequences of such an event. This is especially disquieting to those of us who are no longer young and are at higher risk for this type of eventuality.
This problem has been brought to your attention on more than one occasion in the past, and the addition of cell towers at the railroad station and the Municipal Building roof has not rectified our isolation.
I fully understand that the village, in and of itself, cannot remedy this situation, but the board can take action to effect a solution. You will recall some years ago a cell tower was proposed in the area of the CET school to serve the Croton River gorge. An outpouring of public opposition, fearing the impact on CET students, resulted in the board’s rejection of that initiative.
However, at the conclusion of the meeting at which the tower proposal was denied, the developer offered to meet with village officials to find a location for a tower that would provide similar service and be acceptable to the community. To the best of my knowledge, the board never followed up on that offer—and here we sit.
Before we experience a tragedy in our neighborhood, I believe that it is incumbent on the board to initiate discussions with cell service providers, tower service companies, or whoever is necessary, to find such an acceptable location, install the requisite facilities and provide adequate cell phone connections to the underserved areas of the village.
I do not know if there would be any liability to any entity in the event of a loss of life, etc. resulting from the absence of communication with emergency services, but that is certainly not something we want to discover down the road.”
This board seems to have unlimited hours to devote to the dog park—the dog park!!—and millions of your dollars to squander on ill-advised projects like Croton Point Avenue and Gouveia Park. Ms. Gallelli, in these pages, rightly railed against Con Ed and Altice pointing out the “critical need for TV, internet and phone services.” But where are she and her colleagues when it comes to ensuring such critical cell phone service for many of us in the village for whom it might be essential to preserve our lives? Nowhere to be found! Is her statement just gross hypocrisy? Or is it just one more example of a board that loves big projects, but has nothing but contempt for its constituents.
Sincerely,
Joel E. Gingold