Technology companies are proposing new designs to Mayor Eric Adams to replace a planned network of giant 5G cell towers that has drawn opposition from some in the city as ugly and intrusive.
Comptek instead proposed a smaller, more elegant pole that could be attached or connected to a light pole and would blend into the landscape better than a 32-foot-tall antenna tower.
“We’re really excited to bring this solution to New York City that addresses the aesthetic concerns raised by various communities and ensures every neighborhood has the internet access they need,” said Jim Lockwood, CEO and founder of CompTech.
Lockwood stressed the company would be consulting with local residents to get their input on the design of the columns, which would suit local architecture and character.
“The solution could be rolled out within six months if each neighborhood chooses a pole design that matches the existing streetlight fixtures that already line their streets,” he told The Post.
“We look forward to working with city officials and the community to advance this important goal while preserving the city’s neighborhood feel.”
The company was founded in Gramercy Park in 2002 and has since installed smart pole technology with similar capabilities in other major US cities, including Los Angeles and Denver.
“From Los Angeles and Portland to El Paso, from the Midwest to the East Coast, we’ve worked closely with communities to design 5G, WiFi and multi-technology light poles that fit their unique characteristics and goals,” Lockwood said.
“Our extensive track record of delivering successful communications projects across the country allows us to utilize our advanced patented technology and work collaboratively with our local partners to develop designs that consistently receive approval.”
Opposition to the proposed tower has been fierce in some of the city’s most upscale neighborhoods, including SoHo and the Upper East Side’s Carnegie Hill, which are home to historic landmark corridors such as the fashionable and tourist-popular Park, Fifth and Madison Avenue shopping districts.
The 2,000 high-rise structures that will add 5G network access are being installed as part of an agreement between New York City and CityBridge, the technology consortium that owns LinkNYC and Link5G.
But Rep. Jerrold Nadler, who represents both the east and west sides of Manhattan, wrote a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in April requesting a review of the tower under the National Historic Preservation Act.
The Democrat said he agreed with the need for increased broadband capacity but expressed concern that the 32-foot towers would be “out of place” in the historic district.
He also signed a letter to the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission, along with Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, state Sen. Liz Krueger, state Assembly members Alex Boaz and Rebecca Seawright, and City Council members Keith Powers and Julie Menin, making the same argument.
Critics have accused Nadler, a liberal, of prioritizing aesthetics over addressing more pressing issues such as crime.
Nadler’s office has been briefed on CompTech’s small tower proposal, and a representative for the senator said Adams should consider pursuing it.
“This is a good, innovative solution that will benefit everybody,” said Robert Gottheim, a spokesman for Nadler.
“The introduction of 5G will help preserve the streetscape of our neighborhoods. I’m proposing that the city consider this,” he said.
It’s not just politicians and residents who are making a fuss about 5G towers.
Former Knicks basketball star John Starks objected to the city placing one of the structures directly in front of his Kia dealership in Queens.
The Adams administration, through its lead agency, the Office of Innovation and Technology, has announced that it will review CompTech’s design.
“From design improvements to new digital services to stronger community programs, the Office of Technology Innovation always welcomes and evaluates new ideas to enhance our various technology programs as we continue our work to close the digital divide,” an OTI spokesperson said.
Any design changes to the Link5G kiosks will require extensive public review and approval from the Public Design Board.
Margo Nee, president of City Bridge, which owns and operates LinkNYC, defended the existing 5G towers that have been approved.
“Link5G has undergone a rigorous public review process over the past three years, including the presentation of alternative designs to the Public Design Commission, and is now being rolled out across New York City. We remain focused on bringing this important benefit to more communities where free public WiFi and high-speed broadband is urgently needed,” said Ni.
