A public hearing was held in Glastonbury Tuesday night to field opposition calls regarding a proposed cell phone tower at the Seven J’s farm.
The serene setting is why Mary Diloreto moved her family to Candlewood Road more than 12 years ago and now she like many on the street fear that setting will be compromised.
“It just doesn’t seem like the right place to put it,” said Diloreto.
Seven J’s is owned by John and Joyce Vullo and offers both horseback lessons and boarding. Message Center Management is proposing the 120 foot “monopine” tower be built on the private property.
“It’s a residential neighborhood were all worried about our property values and possible health effects,” said Michael Sadlon.
According to Town Council Vice Chairman Whit Osgood, once residents “got wind” of the idea, they came to the town and asked for the public hearing
“One thing we’ve learned our experience in town is people don’t like cell towers,” said Osgood. “Of course on the other hand, residents do like their cell phones.”
Christopher Bird went door to door Tuesday collecting signatures against the tower. He argued there are alternatives that will reserve the residential area.
“There are plenty of alternative sites within a half a mile of here that would solve the reception problem,” Bird said.
According to Osgood, the Town Council does not have the final say. If Message Center Management chooses to bring it to the Connecticut Siting Council, they too will hold a public hearing before making a final decision.
“The town does have the ability to get an intervener status which means in essence we have the opportunity to make comments during the citing council’s public hearing,” said Osgood.
NBC Connecticut did reach out to Seven J’s for comment but our calls were not returned.
