Public hearing set for proposed cellphone tower in Sleepy Hollow

A proposed cellphone tower in Sleepy Hollow could be a new revenue source for Sleepy Hollow, but several residents are less than pleased with the idea.

Last week, National Wireless Ventures, LLC submitted an application to put up a 120-foot cell tower just south of the village hall and police station at 1 Thorobred Lane, Village President Stephan Pickett said.

Because the company would be leasing space on village property, Sleepy Hollow could bring in an estimated $25,000 annually from the deal, Pickett said, though village officials and company representatives have not yet agreed on a lease.

Nearby residents, however, aren't happy with the possibility of the cell tower being built so close to their properties.

John Cummings, whose home on Sleepy Hollow Road would be the closest residence in proximity to the cell tower, said he and his neighbors are concerned their property values will decline as a result. Additionally, he said, he's worried about the potential health risks of the radiation emitted from cell towers.

At a public hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. on Nov. 4 at the village hall, Pickett expects several residents to express their support or voice their concerns.

"I realize there are going to be people who have no problem with it, and there are going to be people absolutely appalled with a high-tech device sitting in the middle of Sleepy Hollow," Pickett said.

A final decision on cell tower plans should be made by the end of the year, he said.

This wouldn't be the first cell tower within the village, he said, though the other two tower sites are private property. At least two cell towers sit on a site off Boncosky Road, and another tower is located just west of Randall Road.

"It's going to be different having a cell tower ... right off the end of village hall, that's for sure," Pickett said. "It will be a change, but it's just part of technology today."