Tech company pitches to replace New York City’s ‘ugly’ 32-foot 5G cell phone tower with a better pole that blends into the city

Metro

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by carl campanile

A technology company is pitching Mayor Eric Adams a new design to replace a planned network of giant 5G cell towers that has drawn opposition from some in the city as too ugly and intrusive.

Instead, Comptek proposed a smaller, more elegant pole that could be fixed or connected to a light pole and would blend better into the landscape than a 32-foot-tall antenna tower.

“We’re really excited to bring this solution to New York City,” said Jim Lockwood, CEO and founder of Comptek. of communities will have the internet access they need.”

Mr Lockwood stressed that the company will consult with local residents to gain input on the design of the poles to suit local architecture and features.

“Once each region chooses a pole design that matches the existing street light fixtures already in place on the road, the solution can be installed within six months,” he told the Post.

“We look forward to working with city staff and the community to advance this important goal while preserving the look and feel of neighborhoods across the city.”

The company, which started in Gramercy Park in 2002, has built smart pole technology with similar capabilities in Los Angeles, Denver, and other major U.S. cities.

“From Los Angeles to Portland to El Paso, across the Midwest to the East Coast, we work closely with communities to equip light poles with 5G, WiFi, and multiple technologies that fit their characteristics and goals. ,” Lockwood said.

“Our extensive track record of successfully delivering telecommunications projects across the country allows us to leverage advanced patented technology and collaborate with community partners to develop designs that consistently meet approvals.”

Opposition to the currently planned tower is the fashionable and tourist-filled shopping streets of Park Avenue, Fifth Avenue, and Madison Avenue.

The 2,000 towering structures that will add 5G network access are being installed as part of an agreement between the city and CityBridge, the technology consortium that owns LinkNYC and Link5G.

But in April, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, who represents Manhattan’s East and West Sides, sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel requesting a review of the tower under the National Historic Preservation Act. .

Democrats agreed with the need to expand broadband capacity, but expressed concern that the 32-foot tower would be taken “out of context” in the historic district.

He also joins Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, State Sen. Liz Krueger, Alex Boas and State Rep. Rebecca Seawright, and Keith Powers and City Councilman Julie Menin on the City Landmarks Preservation Commission. He co-signed a letter to the United States, making similar claims.

Critics say the liberal Nadler is more interested in aesthetics than in tackling pressing issues like crime.

Mr. Nadler’s office has been briefed on Comptech’s small tower proposal, and a representative for the congressman said Mr. Adams should consider implementing the proposal.

“This is a good, innovative solution. It could be a win-win for everyone,” said Nadler spokesman Robert Gottheim.

“By using 5G, it may be possible to preserve the neighborhood streetscape. I would like to suggest that the city consider this.”

It’s not just politicians and residents who are making noise about 5G towers.

Former Knicks basketball player John Starks objected when the city placed a structure in front of a Kia dealership in Queens.

The Adams administration, through its lead agency, the Office of Technology and Innovation, announced a review of Comptech’s design.

“From improved design to new digital services to more robust community programming, the Office of Technology Innovation is always happy to hear new ideas on how to strengthen our various technology programs as we continue to work to close the digital divide. We will evaluate it,” an OTI spokesperson said.

Link5G kiosk design changes require extensive public review and public design commission approval.

Margaux Nie, 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 presenting alternative designs to a public design commission, and is currently in the midst of deployment across New York City. We remain focused on bringing this important benefit to even more communities in urgent need of high-speed broadband.”