Yorktown Town Board votes down plans for controversial cell tower

This article was updated March 16 at 12:26 p.m. with additional information from Town Attorney Adam Rodriguez.

The Yorktown Town Board voted down plans for a proposed cell tower on Granite Springs Road, siding with hundreds of residents who have long opposed the project.

The decision Tuesday comes after months of public hearings and debate. Opponents raised concerns about potential health risks, impacts on local wildlife, and changes to the neighborhood’s character, while supporters highlighted the need for improved connectivity for residents and first responders.

“I do think that we made a great decision for the town,” Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman said. “I feel like we had a whole team of researchers behind us.”

The Town Board was in agreement, deciding that “the applicant has not established that the lease is in the best interests of the town,” and denied the application for a stormwater and tree permit. Councilwoman Susan Siegel abstained from the vote, citing issues with how the resolution was written. She said that if she voted, she would agree with her colleagues.

“Ms. Siegel's comments were expressed and considered and ultimately it was determined that her concerns were meritless," Town Attorney Adam Rodriguez told Yorktown News.

After the final public hearing last week, Homeland Towers President Manny Vicente told Yorktown News in a statement that there is “a documented need by the carriers and public safety for a facility in the Granite Springs Road Area to improve wireless coverage as confirmed by the town's own third-party independent radio frequency expert.”

But officials said Homeland Towers had not provided enough concrete data to prove the tower was truly necessary. The company didn’t submit “drive test” data showing actual signal gaps, or other metrics like dropped calls that would justify the project. It also failed to show that the proposed tower height was the minimum needed to provide service. Construction plans and soil testing for stormwater runoff were incomplete, leaving questions about the site’s environmental impact, town officials said.

Attorney for Homeland Towers Robert Gaudioso did not respond to requests for comment from Yorktown News.

“The town has had a long-standing relationship with Homeland Towers. I don't anticipate [them] suing based on this denial,” Rodriguez said. “There were technical deficiencies with their application that would make a lawsuit meritless, including, wetlands and other environmental concerns.”

Residents can read the full resolution in the March 10 work session agenda.

Councilman Sergio Esposito said the decision shows the importance of local control.

“In this case, home rule allowed us to listen to the needs, wants, and concerns of all the people of Yorktown, all of you out here tonight, all of the letters that you sent in,” he said. “We were able to make a decision regarding the cell tower construction that reflects the voices of our residents and addresses the needs of the entire community.

“This is why home rule is critical, and must be protected. It has been on full display throughout this process. and it's very important.”