For as long as cell phones have existed, a familiar tension has shaped much of the Hudson Valley and Catskills: The need and desire for better cell service often collides with public opposition to the construction of new cell towers.
That dynamic is expected to be tested again in the coming year, as proposals for new towers are anticipated in the towns of Saugerties and Hurley.
Saugerties Supervisor Fred Costello said developers have been looking at potential sites in the Saugerties South area, and he expects an application for a new cell tower to come before the town’s Planning Board sometime in 2026. While specific sites have not yet been identified, Costello said locations with higher elevations and proximity to existing utilities are likely to receive the most consideration.
“That region is in desperate need of coverage,” Costello said. Despite the presence of nearly 10 cell towers in town, he said Saugerties South relies largely on a tower in neighboring Tivoli, resulting in significant dead zones.
Public concerns about safety and aesthetics have accompanied previous proposals. In September, the Planning Board approved a project to construct a new tower at the Cantine Field sports complex. A separate proposal in Shandaken faced similar opposition that same month, prompting developers to search for alternative locations there, a process that remains ongoing, according to Shandaken Deputy Supervisor Robert Drake.
Costello said he expects comparable concerns to emerge once a site for the proposed Saugerties South tower is selected.
“Whichever location gets picked, those neighbors will have concerns. I’d probably have that emotion, too, if they put [a tower] next to me,” Costello said. “But every one who works or lives in that area will agree we need the coverage.”
In Hurley, Supervisor Michael Boms said the Hurley Fire Department is negotiating with Verizon to lease property at its Old Route 209 location for the construction of a new cell tower. Boms said the project would address major service gaps along Route 209 heading south toward Marbletown.
“Coverage near town hall is sporadic and 209 heading south is a dead zone,” Boms said.
While acknowledging community concerns about new towers, Boms said he believes the need for improved service will outweigh them.
“People want it. And, more importantly, we need it,” he said, citing difficulties first responders face when trying to get a signal while responding to calls in the area.
Boms said he expects negotiations to conclude early in the new year, with an application to follow shortly thereafter before the town’s Planning Board.
Jim Rich is a senior reporter for The Overlook. You can reach him at jim@theoverlooknews.com.