Letters

Recently, the Village of North Haven hired a company to assess how to improve better cellphone coverage for our just over 900 residents [“North Haven To Explore Cellular Options,” 27east.com, April 15]. I want to thank the trustees for their transparency in letting us know that the study was done and that they were assessing different options for its residents.

Apparently, cellphone carriers are waiting for us to decide whether we will erect a cellphone tower behind Village Hall. If we don’t hire a cell tower company to build a tower, cellphone carriers may place micro-cell poles throughout the village on state and county roads.

I also appreciate Trustee Claas Abraham’s honesty when he asked, “Do we want one tower that allows us to make money?” While every municipality wants a bigger financial reserve, I think there are other ways to approach the issue of achieving better cell coverage. I can confidently say that the residents of North Haven have a shared appreciation for the special place that is North Haven. Our haven and its elected leaders have worked tirelessly on ensuring that the flora and fauna of this unique location remain preserved and that it continues to thrive.

Building a 150-foot tower that requires a minimum building footprint of a 10,000 square foot base and associated equipment and ground anchors would decimate a large piece of land that would see our beloved trees fall and our animals’ sanctity disturbed.

We have worked hard on preserving native vegetation, most recently at Lovelady Park near Village Hall. Our trees and animals depend on this community to ensure that safeguards are in place to protect them at all costs. To bring in a wrecking ball to an area between Lovelady Park and Village Hall, wherein trails, wetlands and Genet Creek live, would not only cause the ire of the Department of Environmental Conservation, it would go against the essence of what North Haven represents to everyone who lives here.

Effective leaders lead by promoting peace and unity among its citizens. There is no reason to fear the cellphone carriers and what they may or may not do. I believe our community can come together to welcome these companies and work together with them to improve cell coverage capabilities.

I also believe and hope that Mayor Chris Fiore will ensure that a peaceful compromise is reached. Most, if not all, of us moved to North Haven to find peace. Let’s work together and find a solution we can all live with.

Monica Caan

North Haven