Village says no to cell tower in Memorial Park

Warwick — Beauty or better cell reception? That was the choice for the Village Board last week when Mayor Michael Newhard said he was approached by High Point Consulting, a firm that works with cell phone companies to place cell towers in municipalities. Newhard said the company was interested in putting a cell tower in Veterans Memorial Park. No specifics were given to Newhard on just where the tower would be placed. There were some pictures submitted, though: One looking like a fake tree; another simply looking like a huge cell tower. Both were 120 feet high “If there is a legitimate desire to look further into this, they will come to a meeting to discuss potential sites,” said Newhard. “I don’t think we should pursue it,” said Trustee George McManus. “I don’t like it. It takes away from the park. It’s gigantic,” said Trustee Eileen Patterson. Ditto Trustee Bill Iurato. Trustee Roger Metzger was willing to get more information and look at it, but he was outnumbered. Ironically, Metzger is the only board member without a cell phone. Newhard said having a cell tower in the village would bring in revenue — about $1,000 each month. “But this is such a beautiful park,” he concluded. “And it is so central in the village. You would have to look at it from everywhere.” Around the village • The Warwick Fire Department will host its annual carnival in Veterans Memorial Park from June 17 through June 25. “This is a wonderful community event,” Newhard said. • The Warwick Valley Gardeners will host their 14th annual Garden Tour and Plant Sale on the Railroad Green on Saturday, June 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If it rains, the event will be held on Sunday, June 10. Their pre-tour will be held on Friday, June 8 from 4-5 p.m., also at the Railroad Green.