Stony Point To Sell It’s Tower Leases for $2.3 Million

The town of Stony Point, New York has decided to sell its cell tower leased for approximately $2.2 million. The town had been approached by cell phone companies in the past but the offers were too low to consider. However, recently one company offered around $1.1 million for two towers in Stony Point.

Stony Point is also in the process of receiving $1.5 million from Global Tower Properties by selling a 38-year lease for the tower at the police station. Stony Point earned about $100,000 a year by renting the cell tower at the police station. An additional $50,000 a year came in by renting the tower at the golf course.

Stony Point Supervisor, Geoffrey Finn, believes that his was the right move for the town of Stony Point. Cell phone technology is always changing and this was a high enough offer for the town to take.

“We don’t know where we’re going to be in 15 years when it comes to cell-tower use,” Finn said. “We have done our research, and we feel that receiving the money up front, $2.3 million, is worth it now to help our taxpayers. We’re in the economy where people need our help, and that’s why we decided to do this in one lump sum.” (Source: lohud.com)

Yellowstone Cell Tower Sparks Debate Over Cell Phone Use In The Wilderness

 

The controversy surrounding the cell tower that was approved to be built in Yellowstone National Park on July 23, 2013 isn't about the appearance of the tower in the wilderness, but rather the use of cell phones. Many people who frequent the park or take trips there go to experience the nature and believe that cell phones are an unnecessary distraction. People that go camping and spend time hiking find solace among the trees and enjoy spending time away from technology and other everyday distractions.

When the Yellowstone National Park shared the news of the cell tower being built on their Facebook page, many concerned patrons voiced their dislike. Kely Nelsen said, “One of my favorite things about going to Yellowstone is NO CELL SERVICE in most places. Something’s need to be left as they are.” A lot of people feel this way, but many others believe it’s imperative to have good cell service for safety purposes.

Richard Butler wrote on the Yellowstone National Park Facebook post, “Good to have for 911 calls so people can get help.” If you or someone you are with is injured and you need help, being able to call 911 is going to be necessary. If someone is in dire need of medical attention, they shouldn't have to wait for someone to find them. It’s understandable that people who visit the park often feel that cell phones should be banned and this tower should not be built, but if it could save someone’s life isn't it worth it? 

100-Foot Cell Tower To Be Built In Yellow Stone National Park

If you have ever visited the beloved Yellow Stone National Park and tried to make a call then you might have noticed that the cell phone reception wasn't very good. Currently there is only cell phone service in the Mammoth, Old Faithful, Canyon, Tower-Roosevelt and Grant areas. However, just this past week the National Park Service has granted Verizon Wireless permission to build a 100-foot rower near Fishing Bridge in Yellowstone National Park.

The Billings Gazette reported that, “The new cellular site will be located next to a buried water tank on a 100-foot rise above the Lake administrative area and 700 feet below the top of Elephant Back Ridge. This site already has access via an existing service road and is near electrical and phone lines. Antennas will be configured to minimize spillover coverage into Yellowstone’s backcountry.”

Yellowstone was established as America’s first national park in 1872 as a way to preserve the majority of the world’s geysers. With the news of this cell tower being placed in the oldest national park, people wonder whether or not this will affect the magnificent views of the park. The National Park Service reassured patrons that the tower will not be visible from the nearby Lake Hotel, Fishing Bridge, Lake Lodge Historic Districts or the hiking trails.