HILLSDALE—Over the objections of about 20 residents — including a nearby River Vale homeowner — the Borough Council on Dec. 9 approved a contract for a 150-foot cellular tower at Stonybrook Swim Club near Cedar Lane. Verizon Wireless, the sole bidder, offered $48,012 for the first year of a five-year site lease, with four additional five-year renewal options.
Although the council voted unanimously to award the lease, members added four new conditions that must be met before Mayor Michael Sheinfield is authorized to sign it.
Sheinfield told Pascack Press that the added conditions stem from concerns raised at the Dec. 9 meeting, including alleged health impacts from radiofrequency waves, a lack of town-wide emergency-service coverage, and possible declines in property values for nearby homes.
He said the amendments “offer more protection for the borough and our residents.” Even after a lease is signed, Verizon must still submit a full site plan application to the Planning Board, where residents will be able to ask questions and offer final comments.
New requirements before signing the lease
The amended resolution adds a sixth section listing four new prerequisites:
- A town hall meeting must be held before any lease is finalized.
- A council vote on comments received at that meeting must occur before the lease is approved.
- No construction or site activity may begin until the lease is fully executed and all land-use approvals from the Planning Board or other reviewing agencies are obtained.
- The borough may require reasonable revisions to the site layout based on recommendations from borough professionals or reviewing agencies, provided such revisions do not materially alter the bid.
Officials said the required town hall — a public information session — will likely take place in January. Notices will be sent to Hillsdale and River Vale residents within 200 feet of the proposed tower. A meeting date had not been set as of press time.
Residents question transparency
Many speakers on Dec. 9 said they had learned only recently about the proposal, some through neighbors or social media, and criticized the council for what they described as inadequate communication.
Sheinfield disputed that claim, noting the topic has been discussed “on and off for two years.” He said it appeared on several council agendas in 2024, including June 17, when the council authorized public bidding, and Sept. 21, when a Notice to Bidders was published and made available in the borough clerk’s office.
Advisors outline process
Peter Lupo, the borough’s special telecommunications counsel with Hoplite Communications, has been advising Hillsdale on siting, bid specifications and the procurement process. He attended the Dec. 9 meeting, where resident Robin Nemeroff — who started an online petition against the tower’s location — said she had submitted 15 questions to officials beforehand. Lupo said he felt most questions were answered by himself or other borough representatives.
Before the amendments, Resolution 25-300 listed five original conditions governing the lease with Verizon:
- execution of a mutually satisfactory lease agreement;
- confirmation that all site improvements fall within the designated lease area;
- confirmation by the borough’s risk manager that Verizon meets insurance requirements;
- borough review and approval of any “Exceptions or Clarifications” in Verizon’s bid; and
- incorporation of comments or recommendations from Lupo or any borough agency, department or board.
Why the swim club site?
Lupo said few suitable locations exist in Hillsdale for a 150-foot tower and that the swim club property appears to be the best option given environmental and space constraints at other sites.
Officials said three existing 150-foot towers already serve Hillsdale without generating significant resident complaints. Administrator Mike Ghassali noted two are in the center of town — one on the ambulance building and one near the DPW — and a third stands in the Garden State Parkway median.
The proposed tower is intended to improve service in Hillsdale’s eastern section, where spotty coverage has raised public-safety concerns, especially if emergency responders lose communication.
Health and property-value concerns raised
Most residents opposing the tower cited potential health impacts from radio- frequency waves. Lupo said emissions from a 150-foot tower would be significantly lower than those from everyday cell phones and tablets, adding that all portable devices are considered to emit “safe” levels of RF energy under federal standards.
On property values, Lupo acknowledged studies show mixed results. He contrasted those concerns with the risks of insufficient cellular coverage.
Councilman John Ruocco said he had heard from real estate agents that a nearby tower could reduce home values by 5% to 20%, though he stressed that most studies were anecdotal.
Whether such impacts could be considered a “negative criterion” under land-use law would be for the Planning Board to determine, officials said.