Can you hear them now?

A group of Yorktown residents is sending a strong signal of opposition to a proposed cell tower on Granite Springs Road.

About two dozen residents in Yorktown’s Crystal Lake neighborhood stood outside last week in the snowy weather to rally against the project, and many of their Granite Springs Road neighbors have placed signs showing their opposition.

While the tower is intended to boost cell service in the area, residents have said they are more concerned about potential effects on health, wildlife and the environment—even though some acknowledge the town could benefit from stronger connectivity.

The Town Board held a lengthy public hearing late last year on permits for wetlands, trees and stormwater for the monopole, which would be built on town-owned land. At that meeting, residents questioned the way town officials informed the community about the hearing and said they were frustrated by what they saw as a lack of transparency. Several speakers added that far more people would have attended the hearing had they known about it.

With objections continuing both at the hearing and through online comments, town officials are planning a public information session during the Feb. 3 Town Board meeting.

The town hired Douglas Fishman, an independent radio frequency expert, to review the Homeland Tower proposal. While the decision drew pushback from residents who questioned Fishman’s impartiality, the majority of the board said the town would benefit from his expertise.

At this meeting, residents will have a chance to review Homeland Tower’s site proposal, look over the Alternative Site Analysis, ask questions and share their thoughts with town officials.

Public meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 363 Underhill Ave.