Village of Lake Success trustees agreed to allow ExteNet Systems Inc. to install only four of its proposed 13 cellular nodes, while rejecting the installation of nine nodes. The May 13 decision came after months of deliberation by the board amidst strong opposition from residents who did not want the nodes installed on their home properties.
ExteNet systems had proposed installation of the 13 nodes to provide better cellular service to the residents; however, many opposed these installations due to uncertainties regarding health risks the nodes could pose, as well as aesthetic concerns with big pillars being installed in close proximity to their homes, leading to a potential decline in property values.
The village board hired consultants to review the ExteNet application and the concerns raised by residents. It also solicited and obtained substantial public input.
The 13 proposed nodes did not meet the criteria for “significant adverse impact on the environment” set forth by the State Environmental Quality Review Act.
The board voted on each node, and these passed with majority “yes” votes:
• Node #3, in a vote of 4–3, with a new pole in the right-of-way adjacent to 334 Lakeville Rd., on the west side;
• Node #4, in a 5–2 vote, on the right-of-way adjacent to 318 Lakeville Rd., on the west side;
• Node #6, in a 4–3 vote, with a new pole in the right-of-way on the east side of Lakeville Road, near the northeast quadrant at Horace Harding Boulevard; and
• Node 7A, in a vote of 4-3, on an existing pole on the village golf course property.
Though four nodes were approved, none passed with a unanimous vote, and those that did were not planned for the front lawns of residential properties.
