HILLSDALE—Nearly a dozen residents spoke April 7 against a proposed 130-foot cell tower at Stonybrook Swim Club, citing concerns about property values, health impacts, and potential declines in membership.
A vote is expected April 14 on whether to authorize Mayor Michael Sheinfield to sign a lease with Verizon Wireless. The council approved a lease framework in December 2025, subject to public input, a town hall, and revisions.
Verizon was the sole bidder, offering $48,012 for year one of a five-year lease with four renewal options.
Officials have long cited poor cell service in the borough’s eastern quadrant, including dropped calls and concerns about emergency communication.
At least 10 residents criticized the proposal.
Amelia Bowers, a swim club commission member, called the tower “an eyesore” and said the commission opposes the location, a position she said was not reflected in liaison Christopher Camp’s report. She described the club as the “crown jewel” of Hillsdale and said the tower would “fundamentally change the character of what has always been a beautiful, welcoming community asset.” She also cited the loss of nine parking spaces and urged alternative sites.
Camp later said at least two commission members did not oppose the tower.
Robin Nemeroff, Drake Drive, said the regional Board of Education is “open to exploring options” and urged coordination with the school district. She called for an “impartial feasibility study” of a macrotower behind Pascack Valley High School and asked whether smaller multi-carrier installations had been considered.
Another resident questioned whether prior public opposition was being weighed and raised concerns about “health risks” near a school.
Harold Shill, Bradshaw Court, said he would have “direct visual contact” with the tower and warned a 5% drop in value on a $600,000 home could mean a $30,000 loss. He said he submitted a “bibliography” on property impacts.
John Sanchez, Drake Drive, questioned why letters opposing the tower were not reflected in council minutes; such correspondence is recorded and available via public records request.
Megan Gerin, Drake Drive, criticized the Pier Four Enterprises report, saying it lacked “real-world radiofrequency testing,” verified field data, carrier comparisons, and methodology.
“That raises serious concerns about how our taxpayer funds were used and the validity of the Pier Four report,” she said.
Gerin said Verizon reported that 20–60 multi-carrier small cells would be needed to close the coverage gap, while Peter Lupo, the telecom consultant hired by the borough, reported that fewer would be necessary. She urged a pause for independent analysis, citing unanswered questions about testing, community impacts, flood risk, and subsurface conditions.
She added the report ranked Stonybrook only third or fourth among sites. “This is a long-term decision for our community. It must be based on complete, objective and independently verified information,” she said.
Jean Bedrosian, Drake Drive, said a tower could reduce municipal revenues “over time” through lower property values or declining memberships.
Rob Stigliano, chair of the swim club commission, said the group opposes the tower and warned of financial harm. He cited concerns from a prospective member and said the club had 1,146 families in 2024 and 1,143 in 2025, both years with surpluses. He urged a no vote.
Officials have said construction would likely not occur until after the 2026 season if approved.
Another resident called for a public meeting with school officials.
Jay Weinstein, Drake Drive, said he would “choose another town” if he saw a 130-foot tower and asked whether an “impact study” had been done. He urged officials to “be the champion for all of the people…find the alternatives, why blight half the town and discourage new residences?”
Council members said all comments have been heard and considered.