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.
That’s a stunning site….it would be sacrilege to install an antenna anywhere near that church. And I’m not even Presbyterian.
If the argument against installation is based upon aspects of sacrilege, then this is only something that this church and its congregants have to reconcile. Outsiders using this argument have no voice in it, and I suspect are using this feigned outrage due to some degree of liberal anti-business bias, or possibly some interest in a competing company.
how would you possibly notice a 2 foot extension on top of a cross which is 65 feet from the ground? Seems like it would be pretty hard to see, much less to have it interfere with your enjoyment of the site.
Put up the antenna already it will not cause any visual harm.
i am not a member of this congregation but I find this idea deeply offensive. It is hard to believe that the members of this church support this plan. It would be preferable to remove the cross, then put as many antenae as they want up there and worship at the altar of Verizon. It matters little to me if it is visible or not, the idea is obscene. Is nothing sacred? is everything for sale? Is there no decency left in the Village?
What do Brogan and Lenhard think? They are ok with an antennae on RHS.
Just put the antennae on the church. Stop pretending that you will notice it.
This is my signal, text from it. Spell check, in memory of me.
(alter buy rings the little bells).