Cell Tower Proposal at Transfer Station Progresses

The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday endorsed a plan that would see AT&T install a cell tower at the Transfer Station off of Lakeview Avenue—a move that proponents say will boost emergency response in that area of town as well as convenience for residents seeking better mobile service.

The tower—to be placed on the side of a building at the station—could generate about $100,000 in revenue per year if multiple carriers end up piggybacking onto the tower as expected, said Geoff Pickard, a member of the Utilities Commission. The all-volunteer group is charged in part with making recommendations to improve cellular service coverage in New Canaan.

Town emergency services officials including Fire Marshal Fred Baker have advocated for improved cell coverage in New Canaan so that 911 and other calls can be made in more places from mobile devices.

First Selectman Rob Mallozzi said safety considerations are a priority.

“I think the $100,000 is good to know. For most of us, knowing that cell service is increased is paramount,” he said at the meeting, held in the New Canaan Police Department Training Room. “To have an increase in the safety factor and connectivity, you cannot put a price on that.”

Other areas of town where officials are looking at boosting cell service include the Norwalk line near Route 123 (at the Armory site) and in northern New Canaan at Puddin Hill Road—a proposal that drawn criticism from some neighbors.

For the transfer station site, the next step would be for the AT&T siting director to get back to the town with a specific proposal. Planning and Zoning and Town Council approvals would be required, officials said.