Consultant: Westport cell proposal lacks details

Posted 8/4/21

Editor's note: The following letter was sent to Westport Zoning Board chairman Roger Menard on Friday, July 30. It was written by Ivan Pagacik, whose IDK Communications was tasked with reviewing the …

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Consultant: Westport cell proposal lacks details

Posted

Editor's note: The following letter was sent to Westport Zoning Board chairman Roger Menard on Friday, July 30. It was written by Ivan Pagacik, whose IDK Communications was tasked with reviewing the cell phone tower proposal for 67 Masquesatch Road.

Dear Mr. Menard:

IDK has been tasked by the Town to review the application by Municipal Communications LLC for the installation of a wireless communication facility. In addition to the application we have reviewed prior minutes of meetings and the independent review by Isotrope LLC.

The following paragraphs present our initial review findings and recommendations for the Board. These findings focus on the radio frequency aspect of the application. We defer the zoning aspects to the Board.

1.) The applicant has provided a coverage analysis for AT&T using the proposed site at a monopine tower height of 150 feet. No other lower heights were presented for comparison. We suggest additional coverage analyses and a presentation of heights in twenty foot increments down to 90 feet. The applicant should supply the percentage of geographical and populus additional coverage afforded by the site not only at the proposed height but at lower heights.

2.) The applicant indicates that they explored alternative sites but no engineering to support their claims of coverage were supplied. The Isotrope report identifies several alternatives as well as land owners that have conveyed their interest in the siting of a wireless facility on their property to the Town. While it appears that the Chardon property has not responded to requests from the applicant the Gifford parcel, Church and Tripp properties may meet with favorable response along with the property at Least Turn Circle.

The Church property could have the steeple replaced to house antennas, at even possible higher heights. At the Tripp property, while the existing 60 foot structure may or may not be structurally feasible, (again no engineering to validate this has been submitted), there may be the option of installing another tower on this property. The Gifford property being raw land and a larger parcel would have additional flexibility in siting on the property.

Coverage analyses for AT&T using these alternatives should be performed, both as single and as a multiple site scenario. Data showing percentage of geographical and populus coverage afforded by each scenario should also be included which will show incremental benefits versus height or site tradeoffs.

In order for the Board to make informed decisions it must have the options, engineering and analyses presented.

The submissions to date and responses to the Town’s and Isotrope’s inquiries offer written statements but do not have the supporting engineering.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Ivan Pagacik

Littleton, Ma

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