Despite strong opposition from neighbors, the Connecticut Siting Council has approved a cell tower for Codfish Hill Road in Bethel.  The 150-foot monopole by North Atlantic Towers was approved last Tuesday.  The original proposal from the Florida-based company was for a 170-foot tower, but they made the reduction during the open application period. 

Cellco, doing business as Verizon Wireless, will be allowed to build the tower at the Site 2 proposed location.  It's a 49-acre residentially zoned site which consists of woodlands, wetlands and old fields.  The site is more central on the parcel.  There are 10 homes within 1,000 feet of the site.  Site 2 would be visible year round from 139 acres, and seasonally visible from 264 acres. 

The proposed facility is to provide reliable wireless service in the eastern portion of Bethel and in the western section of Newtown.

Before construction can start, the company must submit plans for site clearing, landscaping, drainage and erosion controls--along with provisions for a Turtle Protection Program.  The wood turtle and box turtle make homes in that area. 

A monopine was considered, but the Siting Council determined that it would appear bulky and more prominent than a monopole, especially when viewed from areas where the tower extends well above the tree canopy.

The Siting Council said concerns neighbors raised about the tower’s potential negative impact “are not sufficient” to deny the application.