Millstone targets cellular antennas

Ordinance would restrict location (Dec. 1)

By: Lauren Burgoon
   MILLSTONE — If there is one thing all of Millstone has in common, it’s poor — or even nonexistent — cell phone reception. The Township Committee is working to change that within two years while keeping a protective eye on Millstone’s scenic views.
   The committee on Wednesday will consider adopting an ordinance restricting where cellular antennas and other wireless communication towers can be erected. The aim is to improve overall reception for residents and passers-by while keeping the equipment out of sight.
   "The problem in the past is that we never had a comprehensive plan to affix antennas to existing towers, farm silos and other existing structures," Mayor Elias Abilheira said. "This will drive cell phone providers to build on existing things rather than build new poles. It will make it much easier to get the towers approved."
   The ordinance designates "first priority" and "second priority" locations for wireless communication antennas. The first priority includes existing towers, poles, silos and church steeples, which would not require new poles to house the antennas. In the second priority location new wireless towers can be erected only in the business park and planned commercial development zones, away from homes.
   "We’re trying to provide the maximum buffer. … I’ve talked with several people in the cellular industry and they would rather have the least impact possible on the scenic areas of Millstone because otherwise it would cause controversy, which just ends up costing them money," Mayor Abilheira said.
   The ordinance encourages different providers to group antennas on a single tower, he added, cutting down on the number of towers necessary.
   Much of Millstone gets spotty cell phone reception at best. Some areas have improved slightly with the recent addition of several antennas on Route 33. Other antennas for municipal, county and state police uses are on the schools and municipal-owned land.
   Adding more antennas throughout the township should provide adequate reception to all cell phone users in Millstone, the mayor said.
   "We have high-tension wires crisscrossing the town, so there are plenty of areas to build on," he said. "We anticipate having comprehensive cell phone coverage in about 18 months."
   The public hearing and final vote on the ordinance is scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday at the municipal building on Millstone Road.