Thursday, January 31, 2008

The Westfield Leader 1/31/2008

Cranford Cell Tower Fight Continues; 484 Sign Petition

By CHRISTINA M. HINKE

CRANFORD — The fight over erecting a cell-phone tower at the Cranford Swim Club continued before a packed house at Monday evening’s meeting of the Cranford zoning board of adjustment.

So far, 484 Westfield and Cranford residents have signed a petition against the proposal, Cranford resident Audrey Muratore told The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Times.

Another 90 people have hired attorney John Schmidt to defend their opposition to the monopole. Gregory Meese, an attorney representing New York SMSA Limited Partnership, clarified the setback variance to the board. He said the setback of the base of the 130-foot-high tower to the nearest residential-property line would be 39 feet. The front-setback requirement is 300 feet or three times the height of the tower, whichever is greater, resulting in a 390-foot frontsetback requirement to a residential property line, Mr. Meese said. The monopole’s proposed site is in a residential zone.

Cranford resident Frank Krause asked Glenn Pierson of PierCon Solutions, a radiofrequency design and engineering consultant testifying on behalf of the applicant, if the pole were to move about 300 feet from its current proposed spot, would it change the effects of cell-phone coverage.

“There is no major difference from a radiofrequency perspective,” Mr. Pierson replied. Mr. Krause suggested that the applicant should consider moving the pole near the pool at the Cranford Swim Club instead of near residential property lines. He said this change would also meet setback requirements.

Marjorie Meise of Cranford also queried Mr. Pierson. She asked if a satellite would be a suitable source of service for cell phones. “[A] satellite signal doesn’t get into a building. It is for outdoor or remote locations,” Mr. Pierson said.

Mr. Pierson also testified about cellphone-connectivity lapses. “It’s not
something you can do with digital or analog. It’s the radio-wave limitations,” he said.

Mr. Pierson presented the board with a graph showing data points of cellular traffic on traditional 800-MHz frequencies from 2006 to 2010. He said, beginning in 2010, a significant amount of blockage would occur on peak days, such as July 4 and during snowstorms or constructions, when cell phones are used more frequently.

Data services, such as text messages, would also block voice coverage, Mr. Pierson said. “We need to build out frequencies,” he said. “Come 2010, 800 mhz will be blocked.” He said 1,900-MHz frequency is being used today as a backup when 800 MHz is busy.

Mr. Pierson said the higher the frequency, the shorter the usable range. So, a 1,900-MHz frequency would cover less of an area than one of 800 MHz, resulting in the need for more towers. He also said that of the four cell-phone-carrier providers that would have cell coverage on the monopole, two operate on 800 MHz. Mr. Pierson also said, in his opinion, that if this tower application were approved, the applicant would require a second tower in Cranford to gain seamless coverage.

However, so far, the coverage maps supplied by the cell carriers shown in the subsequent meetings do not depict coverage of 800-MHz frequencies, as confirmed by Mr. Pierson.

The hearing will continue on Monday, March 10. Mr. Meese is expected to present one or two of his witnesses.

Mr. Schmidt will have his chance to present witnesses at a later date.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Local Source: Cranford News 1/30/2008

Cell Tower Decision Still a Few Months Away

By Paul Greulich
January 30, 2008

CRANFORD, NJ - Hours of witness testimony and cross-examination by attorneys on both sides of the controversial cell tower application left the issue unresolved Monday night.

The applicant, Verizon, is seeking height and setback variances needed to place the 130-foot pole on the grounds of the Cranford Swimming Club in a residential area.

The meeting ended at 11 p.m., at which point Zoning Board members stated there was no room in the schedule to continue the hearing until March 10.

Attorney John H. Schmidt Jr., who represents some 40-50 residents in the area of the proposed tower, said he expects there will be at least two more meetings before a vote is taken.

Much of Monday’s meeting was spent on Schmidt’s questioning of Glenn Pierson, one of the applicant’s witnesses and a principal of the PierCon Solutions of Lincoln Park, which provides engineering services for the applicant.

Discussion centered on whether there are any gaps in the area’s cellular coverage.

“I like to think I was able to establish that there was no present gap in coverage,” Schmidt said. “If I did that, the application should fail because one of their requirements is to show a gap in coverage.”

Verizon attorney Gregory Meese could not be reached for comment by press time.

At previous meetings, residents have complained that the applicant has presented data in a misleading way. Westfield resident Jack Schuvart said he thought things went well on Monday in the efforts to clear up some of the information that was before the board.
“Most of were rather pleased with the performance of the council we’d hired to handle it,” Schuvart said.

Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski was also present. Kowalski has been the voice of the county’s opposition to the project because of its proximity to Lenape Park.

Since the proposal appeared, opposition has arisen from the State Historic Preservation Office, which has stated that the tower must be canceled or modified to mitigate its impact upon the adjacent Lenape Park and the Rahway River Park historic district.

The pole would feature four separate antennae servicing companies that include Omnipoint, Sprint and Verizon. Revenue generated for the swim club by having the tower on their property has been estimated at exceeding $20,000.

Area residents’ concern has focused on aesthetics and location in relation to property lines and the adjoining park, but there has also been mention of health hazards associated with living near cell towers, a factor that remains a topic of concern despite not yet having been scientifically substantiated.

“Personally I thought this was more interesting than CSI,” said Cranford resident Edward O’Malley.

O’Malley said that subjects that stir up a lot of emotion tend to take longer to resolve.

“The issue is getting a thorough vetting by the process here, and that’s rather gratifying,” he added.

Paul Greulich can be reached at 908-686-7700 ext. 121, or at theeagle@thelocalsource.com.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Action Alert! Zoning Board Meeting 1/28/2008

The Cranford Zoning Board of Adjustment will be holding a continuation meeting for the Cranford Swim Club cell tower proposal on Monday, January 28, 2008. This meeting will be absolutely crucial as attorneys for both the residents as well as the County of Union will be questioning the witnesses that Verizon has presented.

Meeting Information:

DATE: Monday, January 28, 2008

TIME: 8:15pm

PLACE: Cranford Municipal Building [Room 107], 8 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, New Jersey


The following will be heard:

Application #Z17-07: (Continuation)
New York SMSA Limited Partnership, Applicant
201 County Park Drive, Block 109, Lot 46, R-1 Zone

To permit construction of a telecommunications tower with the following variances/waivers:

Tower not permitted in the R-1 zone (136-33K(6);

To exceed the maximum allowable height for a tower (136-33K(10);

Less than the minimum required setback for a tower (136-33K(10)(b);

Less than the minimum required setback to a residential zone for a tower (136-33K(10)(c);

To exceed the maximum allowable square footage for an equipment cabinet (136-33K(12)(a);

Less than the minimum required front yard setback for equipment (136-30.6);

Less than the minimum required side yard setback (136-30.7)

PUBLIC PORTION - Any interested party may appear at said hearing and participate therein in accordance with the rules of the Zoning Board.


Please mark your calendars and make arrangements to attend. This meeting is absolutely crucial and we must have a strong residential turnout to show our complete opposition against this cell tower proposal!

We encourage you to bring along your friends, family members, neighbors; everyone and anyone who is willing to attend. There is absolute power in numbers and we need to clearly show our opposition before the board.

We hope to see you all there!

The Star Ledger 1/27/2008

Static Likely at Hearing on Cranford Cell Tower Proposal

Sunday, January 27, 2008
BY ROBERT E. MISSECK

The next step in the controversial proposal to build a cell tower almost double the legal height and with a shorter setback than usual at a private swim club in Cranford is scheduled to take place tomorrow night.

Verizon Wireless will resume its efforts to persuade the zoning board to approve the seven variances it needs to proceed with the project, which has prompted a growing group of residents opposing the tower to obtain legal counsel to help them in their fight.

Union County, which also is opposed to the tower, will send its attorney to the hearing, scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. in the municipal building, 8 Springfield Ave.

In addition to asking for a variance to build the 130-foot cell tower in a residential area, the applicant also wants permission to build the tower higher than the current limit of 70 feet, have a shorter setback on the property, and allow for a 345-foot equipment shelter with a 2,700-square-foot, fenced-in containment area.

John H. Schmidt Jr., the attorney representing about 50 Cranford and Westfield residents who are opposed to the project, said his approach during the ongoing zoning board sessions has been two fold.

"I don't believe that the cellular tower companies have adequately established a gap in the area coverage for which they claim they need it," he said of the tower.

"But, assuming they can get over that hurdle, they still have to satisfy the zoning board that the variances should be granted by proving the benefits of having the tower far outweigh any negative impact it may have on the surrounding community, which is a residential zone," said Schmidt.

While Verizon Wireless is the primary applicant, the tower would also be used by Sprint Mobile, AT&T and Omnipoint.

The attorney representing the cell tower applicants did not return telephone messages left for him.

Critics of the project said the club wants to use the profits from the tower to help offset membership dues and to make upgrades to the facility.

Residents are opposed to the tower because they believe it would be bad for the area's aesthetics and, therefore, the values of their homes.

State historic preservation officials are also against the project because they maintain its design would harm the area's historical status.

A review of the project by the state Department of Environmental Protection's Natural and Historic Resources, Historic Preservation Office concluded last spring that the proposed tower "will have an adverse effect" on the Rahway River Park Historic District across the street from the swim club property.

Schmidt said that while the DEP has sent a letter to the zoning board stating its position, it is not enough to prevent the project from proceeding.

Freeholder and Cranford resident Betty Jane Kowalski said she learned about the DEP's findings over the summer and agrees with its conclusions.

"The county is opposed to the cell tower because the site is just too close to Lenape Park, which the county owns, and the area is eligible for historical status," she said.

"And it would not be just the tower. They would also have to construct an access road and build a service shed," said Kowalski.

"The swim club property is not an appropriate site for this project," she said.

Schmidt said tomorrow night's meeting will probably not be the end of it.

"The applicant will probably need one if not two more hearings at least after this meeting," he said.

"After the testimony is concluded, the zoning board will then open the proceedings for public comment, and that may not happen until at least March," said Schmidt.

Robert E. Misseck may be reached at rmisseck@starledger.com or (908) 302-1507.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Cranford Chronicle 1/25/2008

Hellenbrecht Re-Appointed to Zoning Board

Friday, January 25, 2008
By LESLIE MURRAY

CRANFORD - The Township Committee settled on its annual appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustment at a special meeting Wednesday night, just days before the board convenes to continue hearing a controversial application for a cell phone tower.

In something of a twist, one of the "new" members was the board chairman last year, who had at first been passed over for re-appointment.

At the New Year's Day re-organization meeting, the committee appointed Richard Brightman to a four-year term on the board, while Jerry DeNigris was appointed to the position of second alternate. Their appointments meant that Robert Hellenbrecht, who was chairman of the board in 2007 and whose term expired at the end of the year, would not be returning.

But during a special meeting on Wednesday, the committee accepted resignations from both DeNigris and Brightman, then turned around and appointed Hellenbrecht to the four-year term. To fill the second alternate position, the committee appointed Brightman. Neither Brightman nor DeNigris served on the board in 2007.

Hellenbrecht could not be reached for comment about his appointment. But in early January, when it appeared he would not be returning to the board, Hellenbrecht said he had told the Township Committee in late 2007 that he was interested in serving again. He said he received a second call confirming his interest; that was followed by a third call offering him the non-voting post of second alternate, which he declined.

Mayor Bob Puhak said despite not initially offering him a voting spot on the board, the committee had been satisfied with Hellenbrecht's service. Puhak declined to discuss the reasons for the initial decision, or the change of heart.

In related news, Puhak said Township Attorney Carl Woodward is drafting a memo regarding the committee's role in hiring the attorneys for both the Board of Adjustment and the Planning Board; that topic will be discussed at a later meeting. Starting last year, Cranford moved toward hiring municipal attorneys as independent contractors, instead of employees with pension and medical benefits.

The Board of Adjustment will meet for the first time this year on Monday, Jan. 28. During that meeting, the board will elect a chairman and continue hearing an application from a cooperative of four cellular carriers to build a 130-foot monopole and a 2,760-square foot equipment compound at the edge of the Cranford Swimming Club's County Park Drive property, along the border between Cranford and Westfield.

Verizon Wireless, Sprint Mobile, AT&T and Omnipoint, a branch of T-Mobile, say they need the tower to fill a gap in coverage. However, residents in both towns have expressed concern about the impact the pole would have on health, aesthetics and property values, and have retained an attorney to represent them in the case.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Cranford Chronicle 1/25/2008

Cranford Chronicle
Letter to the Editor


January 25, 2008

Many Reasons Why Tower is Inappropriate

To The Chronicle:

Briefly, the reasons this tower is totally inappropriate are:

1. Too many important zoning laws would be ignored and too many serious variances required to build it here.

2. The tower would be located in an all-residential area and will set a precedent for more such towers to be erected in residential zones, destroying neighborhoods.

3. Property values would be severely reduced, and nearby owners would have difficulty selling their homes.

4. It would be accompanied by a diesel generator and 225-gallon fuel tank.

5. Unknown health and safety issues.

6. The cell tower and antennas will stand approximately 60 feet above the tree tops, with four to five levels of antennas. Operation of such a tower would be 24 hours daily, seven days a week.

7. It will denigrate the atmosphere of the area and adjacent Lenape Park, which is used by residents from many nearby towns, and have an adverse effect on the Rahway River Parkway Historic District. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders adamantly opposes the construction of this cell phone tower at the Cranford Swimming Club site. Natural areas of placid parkland should be preserved for use now and for the future.

It is evident that other areas will be subject to cell phone towers put in residential areas, so let us stop this proposal now and let the elected officials of Cranford and Westfield know this is unacceptable. Please attend the Jan. 28 meeting of the Cranford Zoning Board. Call (908) 709-7216 for confirmation of the meeting.

JENNY SCHUVART

Rahway River Association - Letter to the Editor 1/25/2008

Cranford Chronicle
Letter to the Editor


Friday, January 25, 2008

Town Should Help Find Solution for Tower Trouble

To The Chronicle:

With a mission of preserving open space, protecting natural resources and improving water quality in the Rahway River watershed, the Rahway River Association is concerned about the proposed 130-foot cell tower being considered for the Township of Cranford.

Located in a residential area adjacent to the county-owned Lenape Park, the proposed tower raises a multitude of concerns that elevates the issue beyond the typical not-in-my-backyard attitude. For the Cranford Township Board of Adjustment, the application may turn on the positive and negative criteria that provide guidance for the individual board members to render a decision. As they consider the application, the board members have an obligation to recognize other mandates and laws that govern their decision-making process.

Of paramount importance is the implication that the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office, the state agency mandated to protect the integrity of state and federal historic sites and landscapes, has a direct regulatory role in protecting the Olmsted landscape of Lenape Park from "adverse impacts." Specifically, how will the tower mar the viewshed of Lenape Park from a variety of line of sight perspectives? Does the proposed tower pose a threat to nocturnal migratory songbirds, which are attracted to the high elevated light sources? Inevitably, these attractions result in their collision with the structure itself, which is invariably fatal. Be advised that the Federal Communications Commission conferred upon the state Historic Preservation Office the legal mandate to regulate towers if they impacted historic and cultural resources. SHIPO's declaration of "adverse impacts" cannot be ignored by the Cranford Township Board of Adjustment.

Locating a cell tower on the land of a private swim club surrounded by a residential community is not only incongruent but should have been foreseen as highly unpopular. Such insensitivity is inconsistent with the progressive values of Cranford residents that cherish the Rahway River, fill their parks and are justifiably proud of their community. Efforts to erect a cell tower amid the Cranford Swimming Club grounds suggest that either the facility is suffering some fiscal challenge or is in dire need of some capital improvement. Either way, the Township of Cranford should weigh in with a potential solution.

If money is the primary issue for the Cranford Swimming Club, then the township should negotiate with the organization to sell their development rights immediately to the municipality or Union County. Subject to appraisal, the Cranford Swimming Club could get an infusion of several hundred thousands of public dollars for their land while the township gets an easement prohibiting them from any development in the future. The funds can be used by the swim club for whatever their needs are. As a condition of the transaction, the club can open its membership to the public for a fee, while the land is protected for the benefit of all.

DENNIS O. MIRANDA
Executive Director
Rahway River Association

The Westfield Leader 1/24/2008

Letter To The Editor

Residents Need to Attend Meeting And Voice Opposition to Tower

There will be a Cranford zoning-board meeting on January 28 at 8:15 p.m. on the status of the proposed 130-foot cell tower located at the Cranford Swim Club property on the Cranford/Westfield border. Briefly, the reasons this tower is totally inappropriate here are stated here forth. 1, Too many important zoning laws ignored and too many serious variances required to build it here. 2, Tower would be located in an all-residential area and will set a precedent for more such towers to be erected in residential zones, thereby destroying neighborhoods. 3, Property values would be severely reduced and owners would have difficulty selling homes near such a site. 4, The tower would have a diesel generator and 225-gallon fuel tank. 5, Unknown health and safety issues. 6, The cell tower and antennas would stand approximately 60 feet above the three tops with four to five levels of antennas. Operation of such a tower would be 24 hours daily, seven days a week. 7, The tower will denigrate atmosphere of area and adjacent Lenape Park used by residents from District. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders adamantly opposes the construction of this cell phone tower at the Cranford Swim Club site. Natural areas of placid parkland should be preserved for use now and for the future. It is evident that other areas will be subject to cell towers put in residential areas so let us stop this proposal now and let the elected officials of our towns, of Cranford and Westfield, know this is unacceptable. Please attend the January 28 meeting in Cranford of the zoning board. Call (908) 709-7216 for confirmation of the meeting.

Jenny Schuvart
Westfield

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Local Source: Cranford News 1/23/2008

Board Gets Some More of Cell Tower Plan

By Paul Greulich
January 23, 2008

CRANFORD, NJ - Monday’s meeting of the Zoning Board is expected to feature final testimonial and public comments on the controversial cell tower application that has livened up the board’s meetings the last few months.

The applicant, Verizon, is seeking height and setback variances needed to place the 130-foot pole on the grounds of the Cranford Swimming Club in a residential area.

The township Zoning Board could vote on the application at Monday night’s meeting.

The pole would feature four separate antennae servicing companies that include Omnipoint, Sprint and Verizon. Revenue generated for the swim club by having the tower on their property has been estimated at exceeding $20,000.

Area residents’ concern has focused on aesthetics and location in relation to property lines and the adjoining park, but there has also been mention of health hazards associated with living near cell towers, a factor that remains a topic of concern despite not yet having been scientifically substantiated.

Since the proposal appeared, opposition has arisen from other sources as well. The State Historic Preservation Office has stated that the tower must be canceled or modified to mitigate its impact upon the adjacent Lenape Park and the Rahway River Park historic district.

Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski, who was the chairwoman last year, said the Freeholder board fully supports this opinion, and is advocating against the construction of the cell tower.

“The park is eligible for landmark status and that means the state sets certain guidelines for what can be done near a park considered a historic place or on the register to be on the list of historic places,” Kowalski explained.

Another consideration is the active bird watching community that frequents Lenape Park where some rare species have been sighted.

Previous cell tower projects in Cranford and other areas have involved towers that utilize existing tall structures, with the upper reaches of the antennae encased in false facades like cupola and chimneys, but Hellenbrecht said that such options appear less likely in this instance.

Kowalski said she feels cell towers are a necessary part of life, but finds the proposed location near the park unsuitable.

Both Cranford and Westfield residents have gotten involved in the issue because the proposed tower would be visible from across the border in the next town.

Zoning Board members Chris Drew and Richard Brightman were not available for comment by press time. Cranford Swimming Club official Jackie McDermott did not return calls for comment.

Paul Greulich can be reached at 908-686-7700 ext. 121, or at theeagle@thelocalsource.com.

Article Courtesy of LocalSource.com

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Why Are We Opposing This Cell Tower?

So, the question has been asked; Why are the residents opposed to the 130' cell tower proposal at the Cranford Swim Club?

The Cranford Swim Club, is a private [members only] swim club which is located at 201 County Park Drive in Cranford, NJ.

It is directly adjacent to the very scenic and historic district [i.e. the Rahway River Parkway Historic District] of Lenape Park, across the street from Nomahegan Park and is located within a Residential Zone [R-1]. The Cranford Swim Club is also directly adjacent to several neighborhoods with many private homes. These towns include Cranford, Westfield and Kenilworth.

The proposed cell tower would extend approximately 60 feet above the tree tops showing up to 5 levels [60 feet] of antennas and other unsightly items.

It would dominate the entire landscape of our parks and all surrounding neighborhoods. In addition, it would drastically reduce the property values of homes as well as jeopardize the ability of homeowners in the area to insure and/or sell their homes.

Verizon is currently seeking EIGHT variances from the Cranford Zoning Board of Adjustment:

1. A variance to allow a cell tower to be located within a Residential [R-1] Zone. According to the Cranford Land Development Law 136-33K(6), towers ARE NOT permitted in any Residentially Zoned [R-1/R-2] area of Cranford;

2. A variance to allow a 130 foot tower where the maximum allowable height for any tower is 70 feet [Cranford Land Development Law 136-33K(10)] - This tower would extend approximately 60 feet ABOVE the existing tree tops;

3. A variance to have the tower setback only 14 feet from the nearest Property Line whereas under the Cranford Land Development Law (136-33K(10)(b), the required setback for a tower is 125% of the tower height; or in this case 162.5 feet;

4. Under the Cranford Land Development Law 136-33K(10)(c), the minimum required setback to a Residential [R-1/R-2] Zone for a tower is 300% of the height of the tower; 390 feet in this case. Verizon is trying to put the tower WITHIN a Residential Zone - not the required 390 feet AWAY from a Residential Zone;

5. A variance to allow a 345 square foot Equipment Shelter, which would exceed the maximum 200 square foot allowance under law for an Equipment Cabinet [Cranford Land Development Law 136-33K(12)(a)];

6. The required Front Yard Setback for an Equipment Compound/Shelter is 35 feet. Verizon is proposing the Equipment Compound/Shelter be only 15 feet from the nearest front Property Line [Cranford Land Development Law 136-30.6)];

7. The required Side Yard Setback for an equipment compound/shelter is 62.8 feet [10% of the lot width]. Verizon is proposing that the Equipment Compound/Shelter be setback ONLY 13 feet from the nearest side Property Line [Cranford Land Development Law 136-30.7]

8. The Cranford Swim Club is located in a single family residential zone (R-1 zone). Under Cranford Land Development Law 136-31B(6); the number of buildings are restricted in this zone. There shall not be more than one principal structure on each lot in the R-1 through R-5 districts. Because this property already has a principal use structure, Verizon is requesting a variance to allow more than one principal use on the Cranford Swim Club lot. [NOTE: Cell towers are NOT permitted as accessory uses OR principal uses in a residential zone!]

THIS TOWER WILL:
Consist of 4 to 5 Seperate Carriers and Levels of Antennas;
Require a Diesel Generator & 250 Gallon Fuel Tank;
Introduce Unknown Health & Safety Issues into the Immediate Area;
Require Immense Setback & Height Variances;
Drastically Reduce Property Values;
Impede the ability of area homeowners to insure and/or sell their homes;
Destroy the Atmosphere of the Adjacent Lenape Park & Nomahegan Park;
Destroy the Atmosphere of our Neighborhood;
Forever Alter the Character of the Township of Cranford;
Destroy the Natural Aesthetics of the Surrounding County Parks


A clear message must be sent to the Cranford Zoning Board of Adjustment, governing bodies and cell phone companies that cell towers do not belong near or around ANY residential areas.

I strongly urge everyone to sign our online petition and show your opposition to this proposed cell tower at the Cranford Swim Club.

Please also take a moment to pass along the link to this petition to anyone and everyone who would like to get involved!

We will continue to collect signatures until this application is DENIED.

Please take a moment to sign:

www.petitiononline.com/notocsc

Thank you so very much for your overwhelming support! We look forward to continuing a strong fight against placing cell towers in our residential areas!

We look forward to seeing everyone at the next Zoning Board Meeting!

PLEASE NOTE: THIS TOWER WILL BE PRECEDENT SETTING IN OUR TOWN. IF THE TOWNSHIP ALLOWS THIS TOWER AND ADJOINING EQUIPMENT COMPOUND TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE [R-1], THE FUTURE PRECEDENT WILL THEN BE SET IN STONE. THIS WILL OPEN A HUGE LOOPHOLE FOR OTHER CELL CARRIERS TO COME INTO OTHER RESIDENTIALLY ZONED AREAS OF OUR TOWN AND EASILY BE APPROVED TO PLACE A TOWER WHEREVER THEY MAY PLEASE.

WE HAVE ZONING ORDINANCES AND LAWS FOR A REASON. PLEASE SPEAK UP AND DEMAND THAT OUR ZONING BOARD UPHOLD THESE LAWS. THE MEMBERS OF THE ZONING BOARD WERE PUT ON THAT BOARD FOR A REASON. THERE ARE ZONING ORDINANCES IN PLACE AND THEY CLEARLY DICTATE THAT THIS CELL TOWER IS NOT PERMITTED IN THE PROPOSED AREA OF THE CRANFORD SWIM CLUB.

STAND UP AND FIGHT CRANFORD! YOU DESERVE TO BE HEARD!

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Action Alert! Zoning Board Meeting 1/28/2008

The Cranford Zoning Board of Adjustment will be holding a continuation meeting for the Cranford Swim Club cell tower proposal on Monday, January 28, 2008. This meeting will be absolutely crucial as attorneys for both the residents as well as the County of Union will be questioning the witnesses that Verizon has presented.

Meeting Information:

DATE: Monday, January 28, 2008

TIME: 8:15pm

PLACE: Cranford Municipal Building [Room 107], 8 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, New Jersey


The following will be heard:

Application #Z17-07: (Continuation)
New York SMSA Limited Partnership, Applicant
201 County Park Drive, Block 109, Lot 46, R-1 Zone

To permit construction of a telecommunications tower with the following variances/waivers:

Tower not permitted in the R-1 zone (136-33K(6);

To exceed the maximum allowable height for a tower (136-33K(10);

Less than the minimum required setback for a tower (136-33K(10)(b);

Less than the minimum required setback to a residential zone for a tower (136-33K(10)(c);

To exceed the maximum allowable square footage for an equipment cabinet (136-33K(12)(a);

Less than the minimum required front yard setback for equipment (136-30.6);

Less than the minimum required side yard setback (136-30.7)

PUBLIC PORTION - Any interested party may appear at said hearing and participate therein in accordance with the rules of the Zoning Board.


Please mark your calendars and make arrangements to attend. This meeting is absolutely crucial and we must have a strong residential turnout to show our complete opposition against this cell tower proposal!

We encourage you to bring along your friends, family members, neighbors; everyone and anyone who is willing to attend. There is absolute power in numbers and we need to clearly show our opposition before the board.

We hope to see you all there!

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Update 1/01/2008

Happy New Year to All!

I hope that everyone had a happy and safe holiday season and I wish everyone all the health and happiness in the world in 2008!

I just wanted to leave a quick update as to the status of the next Zoning Board Meeting for the hearing of the application of the cell tower at the Cranford Swim Club.

The next meeting is currently scheduled for Monday, January 28, 2008. This meeting will be held at the Cranford Municipal Building at 8:00pm.

Should there be any scheduling changes, I will immediately post all relevant information.

Thank you again to all who have fought so hard to stop this tower from coming into our residential area!

Please continue to sign and pass along our online petition!

Happy New Year!