Tower Proposal Met with Resistance in Pleasantville

Residents in Pleasantville have sprung into action this week as word trickled out that New York State plans to install a large tower on Grant Street.

An email chain that initially stated a "cell tower" was planned for the street, directly bordering the Saw Mill River Parkway, asked residents to speak out against the proposal.

"The proposed tower is a project of the NYS Department of Transportation," Peter Scherer, mayor of Pleasantville, clarified in an email to Patch. "We understand that it would be equipped with cameras and microwave communications equipment. The project does not involve private cell carriers. The system is intended to improve traffic monitoring and management."

Scherer said the site is not the only targeted location for one of the approximately 120-foot towers that the state intends to install.

"The project calls for a series of towers along the Saw Mill Parkway (and other parkways in Westchester," he said. "We understand that a second tower is planned in Pleasantville somewhat north of Grant Street, and we're awaiting details on that location."

Residents have been vocal in circulated emails about stopping—or at least attending public hearings about—this specific tower.

Jim Hundzynski, a Weskora Avenue resident, said he heard about the project through the email chain and immediately began contacting state officials, including Senator Andrea-Stewart Cousins and Assemblyman Tom Abinanti, as well as Senator Greg Ball.

"I reached out to local representatives," he said. "I think they were caught off guard a little bit."

Hundzynski said he thinks the tower "is out of character for the area."

"This is one of he gateway entrances for the town," he explained. "It's a picturesque village and to have a tower right here as people enter the village seems out of place for me."

Scherer said the village does not have control over the proposal, as the tower would be built on state land that is "exempt from local zoning and planning review."

The mayor said the village has "been discussing this with the NYS DOT," as well as the state representatives and the towns of Mount Pleasant New Castle.

"Our legislators have been helpful in connecting us to the right people at DOT, and DOT has been responsive in hearing our concerns," Scherer stated.

In the meantime, "No construction is imminent," he added.

Scherer said he expects to "have quite a bit more information on Monday," and he will address the proposal at that day's board of trustees televised meeting at 8 p.m.

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