Milford Rejects Controversial Cell Tower Proposal

Sometimes politicians do listen to their constituents and here is a prime example in Milford.

Dozens of city residents pleaded with the Board of Aldermen this week to reject AT&T’s request to place a 135-foot tall cell phone tower on Eels Hill Road.

And after listening to speaker after speaker, the aldermen voted unanimously to reject the cell tower, which elicited a thunderous standing ovation from the approximately 35 residents at City Hall.

During public comment, Walt Rollins said if the tower was built it would hurt his property values and the aesthetics of the neighborhood. But he said there are six cell towers within two miles of Eels Hill Road and there is no need for another one.

He said as an AT&T subscriber he has no cell service issues.

AT&T would have paid Milford $1,500 a month if the tower was approved. Rollins and other speakers expressed concern that there was a preschool and two daycare centers nearby.

One resident said according to a survey 79 percent of people would never purchase a house within a block of a cell tower.

Mary Gambardella said the tower doesn’t belong in a residential neighborhood, and she questions what effect it would have on property values. She also said it would be unsafe during a severe storm and could fall on residents property.

Milford Cooperative Preschool Owner Barbara Berkovich said with having a bunch of three and four years olds nearby the tower isn’t prudent.

“We urge you to turn it down,” Berkovich said.

Mayor Benjamin G. Blake said the residents speaking out was a “good exercise in democracy.”

Alderman Bryan Anderson thanked all of the residents for coming out and speaking. He said there are already four towers on Eels Hill Road and they can be functional for another 30 years.

Alderwoman Greta Stanford said she voted against the tower because of the health and safety concerns of nearby young children. Alderman Brian Bier congratulated all of the residents who came out and spoke against the project.