‘Big money trumps the will of the people once again’
Recently the town of Warwick Planning Board unanimously approved a 120-foot cell tower on the residential property of 31 Ruszkiewicz Lane in Pine Island.
Many concerned and upset neighbors attended the public hearing to voice their concerns. After the first person got up to address the board it was clear by their replies, that this tower was a done deal and that the public hearing was merely a formality that the Town Planning Board was required to have before they voted.
During the hearing the Verizon attorney and spokesman could be seen smirking and even laughing when people stood up and raised their concerns, fears and frustrations.
Verizon had several hired body guards, adding to the intimidation.
The Planning Board Members showed no remorse or compassion that the tower would negatively affect the community that they represent. Some even uttered rude and sarcastic remarks as a response to some of the issues being brought up.
They kept repeating that the zoning laws allowed the cell tower to be erected on this residential property. They refer to it as suburban low density zoning.
So if you live in a low density area you are not deemed many rights by Warwick Zoning Board.
The manner that the hearing was handled was a disgrace. They effectively stomped the hopes of the residents and made us feel powerless and betrayed.
At the end of the hearing someone in attendance said that somebody must have gotten an envelope and one of the board members responded: “yes, a big fat one.”
This twelve-story hazard is a blight to the community. We all felt as if the Planning Board spit in our faces. Shame on the Zoning Board. Shame on the Planning Board. Shame on all of the politicians that did nothing to help its constituents.
They will be remembered on election day.
Big money trumps the will of the people once again.
Thomas Cassidy
Pine Island