photos by Boyd Loving
Albin Court resident questions legality of “Cell Site on Wheels” at Exxon on the Run
January 16,2014
Boyd A. Loving
5:43 PM
Ridgewood NJ, During Wednesday night’s Village Council meeting, a resident of Albin Court questioned the legality of a “cell site on wheels,” reportedly installed without permits at the Route 17 southbound Exxon on the Run. The resident claims that the installation has been there since at least November; another member of the audience claims to have seen it there since sometime last summer.
Council members disavowed any knowledge of circumstances surrounding the cell site installation claiming they had no idea who owned the equipment, nor if any permits were granted in connection with its operation.
Acting Village Manager Heather Mailander was directed to investigate the matter and respond directly to the resident with answers.
Publicly available documents indicate that within the last few years, at least two (2) cell phone companies have sought to construct a new tower(s) near the intersection of Franklin Turnpike and Route 17. 125 foot monopole style towers were proposed for the NJDOT Park & Ride/salt shed property, the Ridgewood Water Department property near Twinney Pond, the Valleau Cemetery, and 611 Franklin Turnpike (existing cell tower would be torn down and replaced with a new one).
An individual who represented himself as the owner/operator of Exxon on the Run advised a staff member of the Ridgewood Blog that the equipment on his property is owned by AT&T Wireless, and that AT&T is using the “cell site on wheels” because of antenna wind loading issues with their existing tower at 611 Franklin Turnpike. The individual also claimed that AT&T had tried to negotiate for space at the NJDOT Park & Ride, but was unable to do so.
photos by Boyd Loving
Village officials were unable to determine what company owns the equipment, but PJ’s guy found out in 5 minutes? Come on now. What’s being covered up?
No, village officials said that at that moment when they were asked while in a meeting they didn’t know the answer. They did not say they couldnt find an answer. What would you like them to have done?
I am sure the village manager will find the same information and will pursue it accordingly.
I would much rather live somewhere that citizens have to bring such matters to the attention of the village than somewhere that the village is so invasive that it instantly knows when anything happens in its borders.
They had been asked prior to the meeting. Maybe as long as 2 weeks prior to the meeting. And the equipment was there for months. No official saw it? Come on now. Let’s get real.
They had received emails for her, according to what she said. Of course the video stream was kind of crackling but thAt is what I heard her say. So, yes, the mayor did know prior to the meeting and obviously it was a low priority and he did not bother pursuing it. Then he got short tempered with her and tried to shut her down. Yep, our mayor,hates the gadflies, cannot stand it when anyone says anything that he does not like.
I told you all the top dog’s are full of shit.