The plan to create a cell site and erect an eight-story cell tower at 425 Old Tavern Road in Orange, Connecticut first began with a site search in 2020. While a number of sites were considered, and other Orange residents refused to allow the plan to move forward on their land, on April 7, 2022 the landowner Frederick A. Knight signed a lease with Cellco/Verizon to allow them access to his land.
The proposed "Milford East" cell site would be placed in the wooded area on the corner of Old Tavern & Woodruff Road along the Orange/Milford line. The plan includes a 120-foot cell tower with an array of 9 antennas and 6 remote radio heads. Vehicular access to the 35’ x 90’ fenced compound that would house the tower would extend from Woodruff Road over a new gravel access driveway to the cell site.
There are 30+ Orange & Milford families within 1,000 feet of the proposed tower, some with homes less than 500 feet from the site. If approved, this would be the first cell tower constructed on privately owned residential land in Orange.
While the advancement of technology and improved connectivity are undeniably beneficial, the impact of such a development on a small, residential community must be carefully scrutinized. The objections against this cell phone tower extend beyond mere resistance to change; they embody legitimate concerns about environmental, aesthetic, and health considerations that should not be overlooked.
This area is heavily wooded. It contains a brook, wetlands and is home to Deer, Birds, Bees, Bog Turtles, and Fox. The installation of a cell site would disrupt this serene environment and cause a strain on the ecosystem.
Research on the health impacts of electromagnetic fields (EMF) is ongoing, and while some studies suggest that the levels emitted by cell towers are below harmful thresholds, others indicate potential risks.
One of the most immediate and visible concerns with the Verizon cell tower is its impact on the character and aesthetics of the neighborhood.
When reviewing Verizon’s own coverage maps on their website (pictured above) it is clear that 5G service is already widely available on Old Tavern and Woodruff Road. Based on publicly available data there are already 51 cell towers and 203 antennas within a 3.0 mile radius of 425 Old Tavern Rd. Verizon currently has 2 of those towers, each ~1.5 miles of the proposed site, and there are no noticeable coverage issues or lack of cell/broadband service providers in this area.
Given the concerns outlined, it is worth considering alternative solutions that could balance technological advancement with the preservation of community interests. For example, exploring less intrusive locations for the cell tower, such as industrial or commercial zones, to mitigate the negative impact on families in the area. Community input is vital to ensure that developments like the proposed cell tower align with the values and interests of the families in our town.
Verizon has submitted its application to the State of Connecticut for final approval on the proposed site. A public hearing with the Connecticut Siting Council is scheduled for September 24, 2024.
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Verizon has submitted its application to the State of Connecticut for final approval on the proposed site. The public hearing with the Connecticut Siting Council originally scheduled for September 24, 2024 has been postponed.
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notify you as soon as we have a new date for the proceedings.
While this cell tower has a direct impact on Orange & Milford residents, similar projects are popping up all over our area (most recently in Woodbridge, Cheshire & Ridgefield) with little/no oversight from the people living in the communities that are being impacted.
Please reach out to our local and state Leaders. Express your concern about the lack of transparency in the process. Inquire about why these cell towers are being placed in residential areas of our communities without consent from local officials and zoning boards. We need elected officials to advocate for safer siting - ensuring we have appropriate guidelines for cell tower setbacks away from schools and homes.
We also ask that you please join us on the Siting Council Zoom Meeting as a show of support.
Please take a minute to fill out the form below. You will be added to our database of citizens concerned about the construction of these towers in a residential areas and receive email updates from us. By filling out the form, your name will also be added to our petition. No one’s information will be transmitted or published in any manner without your written consent.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D) CT Office (860) 258-6940 | Washington, DC Office (202) 224-2823
Senator Christopher Murphy (D) CT Office (860) 549-8463 Washington, DC Office (202) 224-4041
Representative Rosa DeLauro (D) - 3rd Congressional District CT Office (203) 562-3718 Washington, DC Office (202) 225.3661
State Senator James J. Maroney (D) District S14
State Representative Mary Welander (D) District 114
State Representative Charles J. Ferraro (R) District 117
State Representative Frank Smith (D) District 118
State Representative Kathy Kennedy (R) District 119
CT Energy and Technology Committee: The Energy and Technology Committee has cognizance of all matters relating to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and energy planning and activities - Phone (860) 240‑0430 - NOTE: State Representative Charles J. Ferraro & State Senator James J. Maroney are members of this committee.
Environment Committee: The Environment Committee has cognizance of those matters relating to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection that include conservation, recreation, pollution control, fisheries and game, state parks and forests, water resources and flood and erosion control; and all matters relating to the Department of Agriculture, including farming, dairy products and domestic animals - Phone (860) 240‑0440 - NOTE: State Representative Frank Smith is a member of this committee.
First Selectman James M. Zeoli
Zoning Administrator & Enforcement Officer Jack Demirjian
Mayor Anthony S. Giannattasio
City Planner David B. Sulkis
Zoning Enforcement Officer Stephen H. Harris
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