Testimony on Cell Antennas to Continue in January

The Chatham Township Zoning Board of Adjustment is expected to continue hearing testimony next month on a controversial proposal to install a dozen cell antennas on a water tank in a residential neighborhood, according to the township's land use office.

One engineer for the applicant, AT&T, testified at the board's Thursday meeting. The board's next meeting is Jan. 16.

Last month, a radio frequency engineer for AT&T said AT&T is working to improve reception in the area, including along River Road, and always aims to install antennas on existing structures instead of building new ones. The engineer, Yvan Joseph, said the antenna panels would not go above the existing height of the water tank. 

Neighbors say the antennas would hurt property values and don't belong where residents, including children, live within a few hundred feet.

Thursday's meeting was moved to a larger room, where the Township Committee meets, to accommodate all of the residents who attended the meeting. Residents filled last month's meeting beyond capacity.