A news release issued Wednesday by the First Selectman's Office:
The First Selectman's office has been notified of a planned “balloon float” test at the proposed cell tower site at 92 Greens Farms Rd., Westport.
The test is scheduled for [Tuesday] June 3, weather permitting, or on June 4 or 5, if necessary.
In response to the notification, First Selectman Jim Marpe issued the following statement:
“While the formal application to the Connecticut Siting Council has not been filed, nor has the required technical report been submitted to the town, North Atlantic Towers apparently intends to do this preliminary balloon test.
"I was surprised and disappointed to receive this announcement. I have been in touch with a representative from AT&T, and he was unaware of this particular test. Working with the neighbors, I will still be pressing AT&T and North Atlantic Towers to pursue other locations and technologies that are better suited for the town and this neighborhood.”
According to Julie D. Kohler, Esq. of Cohen and Wolf, P.C., representative of North Atlantic Towers:
“We will be floating two balloons - one at the height of 110 feet (which is the height that AT&T needs), and another at a height of 150 feet. The 150 foot height is not the height proposed.
"Flying balloons at heights of both 150 and 110 feet (with 10-foot incremental flagging in between and below to 100’) provides us with an opportunity to evaluate the top of tower height at 110 and have reference points for photographs and scaling.
"The 150-foot balloon also give us a focal point well above tree line and other obstructions during the field reconnaissance so we can locate the site in those areas where the 110 foot balloon may be at or slightly above/below the canopy (particularly helpful this time of year).”
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