HILLSDALE, N.J.—The borough administrator provided a brief update on future cell service options for the borough’s eastern section, noting he is working with AT&T, although they have not yet decided whether to try to locate a monopole cell tower in town.
He said AT&T told him they wanted to construct 11 monopole cell towers statewide and that he submitted an application to them to look into possibly constructing one in town.
However, he said no decisions have yet been made, though Ghassali suggested possible locations might include behind the high school or another viable location in town. He said that AT&T would submit a recommendation to the town this year if interested.
However, Mayor Michael Sheinfield said he was told by a county official familiar with Green Acres that the areas behind the high school may not be used for a cell tower.
Sheinfield told Pascack Press that no other carriers have offered to construct small cell towers in town, which some residents have put forward as an alternative to a monopole cell tower. Another concern with small cell towers is they generally lack battery power backup in case of a power failure, and do not function. Sheinfield said.
In mid-April, the borough council voted 4-2 to reject a 130-foot monopole cell tower lease for a site at Stonybrook Swim Club, following a public meeting where 19 of 23 speakers opposed the cell tower.
Voting in favor were Melissa Mazza-Chiong and Christoper Camp. Opposed were Anthony DeRosa, Clemente Osso, Robert Colletti, Jr., and John Ruocco.
See also “East side warns of ‘critical’ cellular shortfall,” by Michael Olohan, June 21, 2026, thepressgroup.net.
Most objectors cited potential reduced property values, possible health and safety impacts, and aesthetics as reasons to reject the tower. Four residents who spoke in favor cited the critical need for reliable cell service when calling for emergency services, which for east side residents puts lives at risk on a daily basis.
Ghassali said they also looked at providing Wi-Fi service to “dead cell areas” at Beechwood Park and Stonybrook Swim Club as a test. He said it would cost about $9,000 in hardware at each location, plus $200 monthly at each site to offer improved service via Wi-Fi.
He said the Wi-Fi coverage area included about 400 feet from the Wi-Fi system, creating a “localized solution.” Ghassali noted that should AT&T decide that Hillsdale could be a location for a monopole tower, they’ll work with the town on location.
Sheinfield asked if AT&T was also looking at “other solutions” besides a large monopole tower. Ghassali said they were not. Ghassali later said that maybe AT&T will come back with a “new solution” if Hillsdale is chosen for a monopole.
Ghassali also said that last month that all borough-owned cell phones were transitioned from Verizon to AT&T FirstNet service. He said the service is only available to first responders and government employees.
Ghassali said AT&T phones were also provided to ambulance and Office of Emergency Management (OEM) employees. He said feedback on the new AT&T FirstNet service so far was “very positive” and showed a noticeable improvement in local cell service coverage, including prior areas where coverage was poor.
Although first responders can communicate better with each other, the AT&T service does not allow those in poor service areas to have better cellular access, he said.