Public safety more important than aesthetics

Four weeks ago my friend of 51 years nearly died. He survived only because his granddaughter was able to summon help immediately. His ordeal was precipitated by complications from a minor medical procedure the previous day.

If he had left for his camp after the procedure rather than opting to shop for some needed items and leaving the following morning, he would almost certainly be deceased. Why? His camp is located on the roadless side of Cranberry Lake. Access is by walking or boat only. There is no land-line phone service or cell-phone service. Getting to a phone by a boat or land and waiting for help would have likely been an insurmountable delay.

It is my understanding that the installation of a cell tower in the village of Cranberry Lake, by Verizon, is being delayed by a policy of the Adirondack Park Agency, which gives precedence to aesthetics over public safety.

This tower is a necessity for reliable communication from around the lake and the ability of local emergency services to coordinate.

In regard to aesthetics, from the lake perspective, a tower of the necessary height painted in greens and browns would blend into the hills behind it.

I strongly suggest that the APA allow this tower to be constructed and be of the required height.

Frederick C. Wheeler

New Woodstock