Opinion

On January 16, 2004, AT&T Wireless PCS, LLC d/b/a AT&T Wireless applied to the Connecticut Siting Council (Council) for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (Certificate) for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a wireless telecommunications facility at 259 Redding Road or 22 Wayside Lane in Redding, Connecticut. Fred S. and Susan J. Baker, Lee Shull, the Town of Redding, and William F. King and Jose Pereyra were parties in this proceeding. Representative Hank Bielawa was an intervenor in the proceeding. The purpose of the proposed facility is to provide wireless telecommunications service to existing gaps in southeast Redding in the area surrounding Route 107 (Redding Road).

Proposed Site A is located at 259 Redding Road on an approximately two-acre parcel. The parcel is zoned Residential (R-2). Land uses surrounding proposed Site A include single family residences and dedicated open space. AT&T Wireless proposes to construct a 100-foot monopole at Site A, with the top of the antennas at at a total height of 103 feet above ground level (agl).

Proposed Site B is located at 22 Wayside Lane on an approximately five-acre parcel. The parcel is zoned Residential (R-2). Land uses surrounding proposed Site B include single family residences and two parcels of open space, owned by Redding Land Trust, to the north and south of proposed Site B. AT&T Wireless proposes to construct a 120-foot flagpole at proposed Site B, with all antennas internally mounted within the pole. AT&T Wireless proposes to mount antennas with a centerline at the 117-foot level and the 109-foot level.

There are 24 residences within a 1,000-foot radius of proposed Site A, the nearest of which is approximately 205 feet to the west. The lessor’s residence is approximately 275 feet away from proposed Site A. There are 12 residences within a 1,000-foot radius of proposed Site B, the nearest of which is the owner’s home located approximately 375 feet to the north. The next nearest residence to proposed Site B is located approximately 480 feet to the northwest.

The eastern box turtle, which is a State species of Special Concern, was identified as potentially existing near proposed Site A. A herpetological survey that was performed for the property did not identify any eastern box turtles and concluded that the property does not likely support turtle populations. There are no known populations of federal or State Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern Species at proposed Site B.

There are no wetlands or watercourses located near proposed Site A. The nearest wetlands to proposed Site B are approximately 142 feet from the proposed equipment compound. A silt fence would be installed around the construction area prior to the commencement of construction of the proposed sites.

The proposed Site A tower would be visible year-round from eight acres of the study area and from an additional ten acres seasonally. The proposed tower would be visible from approximately eight residences. The visual impact of proposed Site A would be primarily within 600 feet of the site, including Apple Lane and Redding Road; and seasonal visibility would include portions of Redding Road, Dayton Road and Wayside Lane.

The proposed Site B tower would be visible year-round from ten acres of the study area and an additional ten acres would have seasonal visibility. The proposed tower would be visible from approximately six residences. The visual impact of proposed Site B would be from Redding Road and seasonally from portions of Wayside Lane and Redding Road.

Movement of the proposed Site A tower approximately 40 feet to the southwest would result in the location of the tower closer to Apple Lane and would not significantly change the visual impact from the surrounding residences. Movement of the proposed Site A tower 50 feet to the southeast would not significantly change the visibility from Apple Lane and would increase the visibility to residences along Wayside Lane. Shifting the proposed Site B facility approximately 50 feet to the north, on the edge of a row of evergreens, would screen the compound and lower portion of the tower from the two adjacent residences. Due to a shorter access road and reconfiguration of the compound, the proposed relocation of Site B would allow several deciduous trees to remain that would have been removed for the construction of the original proposed site.

Based on this analysis, the Council finds that the proposed Site B tower relocated 50 feet to the north would have the least visual impact to the surrounding residences. The tower shall be constructed as a flagpole without lighting. The color of the flagpole will be determined in the Development and Management (D&M) Plan after consultation with the Town of Redding.

The radio frequency power density levels at the base of the proposed tower would be well below federal and State standards. If federal or State standards change, the Council will require that the facility be brought into compliance with such standards. The Council will require that the power densities be remodeled in the event other carriers locate at this facility.

Based on the record in this proceeding, the Council finds that the effects associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of a telecommunications facility at the proposed site, including effects on the natural environment; ecological integrity and balance; public health and safety; scenic, historic, and recreational values; forests and parks; air and water purity; and fish and wildlife are not disproportionate either alone or cumulatively with other effects when compared to need, are not in conflict with policies of the State concerning such effects, and are not sufficient reason to deny this application. Therefore, the Council will issue a Certificate for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a 120-foot flagpole at the relocated Site B located at 22 Wayside Lane in Redding, Connecticut and deny the certification of Site A.