Civic To Ask Residents To Pay for Cell Tower

In an effort to compromise with the East Quogue Fire District, the East Quogue Civic Association plans to request a referendum that asks residents to pay for a cell tower be placed on the roof of the .

The idea, said Bob Kandell, acting president of the East Quogue Civic Association, will be presented — At that time, the planning board is scheduled to discuss the East Quogue Fire District's request to place a 100-foot cell tower on it's Montauk Highway firehouse. 

The tower, says the district will improve necessary communications and also include a T-Mobile antenna.  T-Mobile is expected to pay the fire district $2,000 a month for five years in rent for use of the tower.

The civic association has argued that they do not want to see a T-mobile antenna added to the tower, saying they fear it will raise health issues. However, the civic says it does understand that a communications tower is needed.

To compromise and to make up the $2,000, the civic is recommending that a referendum be put up that asks residents to foot the bill.

The cost to residents, said Kandell would be about $.10 per $1000 of assessed value.

The East Quogue Fire District did not return calls as of press time.