Ridgewood church’s cross ideal spot for antenna
JANUARY 20, 2015 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2015, 9:08 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
A group of residents was at odds with the planner retained by a telecommunications firm hoping to build a cellular antenna atop the cross at West Side Presbyterian Church.
According to James Kyle, a planner for Verizon Wireless, the inherent benefits of a properly placed and concealed antenna at that location would outweigh the detriments, which, during a Jan. 13 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting, he said the company has “gone to great lengths to minimize.”
Verizon is seeking a use and height variance from the zoning board to build what representatives are calling a 2-foot tall “micro site” antenna at the top of the cross. The proposed equipment would help alleviate a significant gap in coverage north of West Ridgewood Avenue.
The antenna, which is not allowed in a residential zone, would bring the total building height to 68.5 feet where 30 feet is permitted by zoning regulations. Currently, the building stands at 65.5 feet when measured to the top of the cross.
“None of what we’re doing impacts the existing conditions,” Kyle said. He added that Verizon believes constructing smaller antennas on existing tall structures is “the new solution” and alternative to large, obtrusive monopoles.
