Public Comments Opposing the Cell Tower Approved by Zoning Board

 The public spoke up against an application to place cell tower antennas on top of a building on Clifton Avenue  out of health concerns from radiation. The Satmar Dayan of Lakewood wrote a public letter expressing his disapproval of the disregard to the health of the community and those who will be affected by it (see below).

The cell tower was approved by the zoning board by a vote of 5-2. Several residents said they were disrespected and  mistreated by the board during the public comments. Lakewood residents than voiced their complaints to Mayor Ray Coles and committeeman Issac Akerman last week at the  township meeting. They in turn reached out to the zoning board attorney about the matter that everyone should be respected.  Below are the minutes of the meeting, per the township website but not a full account of the back and forth with the public.

Appeal # 4206 – , The Cellco Partnership, 500 Clifton Avenue, Block 94 Lot 1ot 1, R-OP zone. Use variance to construct a wireless communications facility on an existing building. Rich Schneider attorney for applicant. They were here for an approval for a temporary tower at 900 Lakeview Avenue was approved. The board recognized that that was necessary and that this application was coming. This is for a rooftop installation at 500 Clifton Avenue. Asking for a use variance only. Antennas will be lower than the top of the penthouse, 65 feet the height allowed. This is a senior citizen building. All the equipment is location in the interior of the building except for the generator. Asking for use variance for the antennas, if necessary for the height also .David Stern, radio frequency engineer, affirmed .Board accepted qualifications. Verizon wireless licensed by the FCC. Downtown Lakewood is in need of additional coverage.A-1 sites in and around Lakewood Township. These are the current sites in Lakewood and are they are maxed out.A-2 page 8 of 18 map # 2Trying to fill in the coverageA-3 map 3 in his report showing the fill ins and gaps in serviceA-4 Police antennas already on the building. They don’t transmit - they only receive. 

 The facility is in strict compliance with the FCC regulations and guidelines. When install these antennas will the new technology push out the Lakewood residents phones.,flip hones, kosher phones, etc. Frank Colasurdo, architect, sworn Board accepted qualifications. There will be 3 sets with 4 antennas per septor. Grounded from the basement. Generator on SE corner of 5th & Clifton Avenue and 2 condensing units will be behind the fence and will be screened. There will be a continuous evergreen hedge line along Clifton Avenue. The generator runs for 30 minutes between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. once a week. It will be an unmanned facility – technician comes once every 4 weeks. The noise from the generator is minimal and comes with a sound enclosure. William F. Masters, Jr. sworn. Reviewed site plan, drawings. Reviewed the 2017 Master Plan.A-4 - 8 photo simulations – taken on April 23, 2021 – described each photo and where they were taken. The generator is shown in photo 3A in the southeast corner of the building. Visited the site on numerous occasions. Provides reliable radio frequency requirements. This is one of the tallest buildings in Lakewood. The proposed use is compatible to the existing building. The facility is unmanned. Satisfies the positive criteria. There is no visual impact. The site achieves the technical objective of Verizon Wireless.

Open to Public.

Alta Eliezar Richter, 278 Forest Ave – Oppose this application. Can cause cancer and health issues in children.

Yisroel Bursztyn, owns property at 503  Clifton Avenue. Strongly oppose this application. If there is a small chance for health problems this should not be approved. There is a serious risk factor, please deny.

Shelley Kleinman, affirmed. ... 7th Street, They will have constant exposure to this and ask that it be denied. It will not benefit the Yeshiva community and this can cause radiation.

Yehudah Miller, .. Clifton Avenue, affirmed. In a 5 block radius there is 1000 kids. There is no study on young children. What about the old people in the building?

Samuel Loeninger,.. 6th Street, affirmed. Live across the street from this site. He has health reports and articles.

Mr. Schneider objected.

Mr. Dasti – Articles are not relevant because there are 2 sides.

Mr. Schneider – the obligation of the applicant as a matter of law, is that they comply with the FCC regulations and they clearly satisfy those conditions.

Mr. Loenger – the radiation could be dangerous. Concerned about radiation.

Mr. Gross – we cannot consider health issues if they meet the FCC requirements.

Objectors asked if they could carry to have time to hire professionals.

Naftali Bursztyn, 133 E. 6th Street, Oppose this application. Asked to carry so they can get profession help in this matter.

Mr. Naftali – the neighborhood does not want this and let the objectors get representation.

Mr. Ribiat – insane to push this off.

There was discussion amongst the board members.

Motion to approve – Mr. Lankry

Second – Mr. Ribiat

Roll call vote: affirmative: Mr. Gleiberman, Mr. Ingber, Mr. Lankry, Mr. Ribiat, Mr. Halberstam

 Nayes: Mr. Naftali, Mr. Gelley

Article with letter of the Satmar dayan printed in the Lakewood shopper