By Nathan Duke
The tower, which was also going to serve as a flag pole, was to be built on a home at 53-20 72nd Place in Maspeth, which adjoins eatery Frank's Deli. In mid-November, Community Board 5 voted 36-0 against the plan, which was made between Omnipoint Communications and deli owner Joseph Wroblewski.The city's Board of Standards and Appeals will hear public comment to decide whether to approve the project at a hearing on Jan. 29 at 1:30 p.m. at its offices on Rector Street in Manhattan, Markey said. “Those of us who cherish the peace and tranquility of our neighborhoods clearly recognize that this ugly structure has no place on a residential block of private homes and families,” Markey said. “We need to show the opposition of our community to this misguided proposal by appearing in large numbers at the public hearing to tell the city that it would be wrong to approve this plan.”Omnipoint Communications could not be reached for comment.Maspeth residents had previously circulated a petition against the cell phone tower that collected more than 1,300 signatures. Community members said they were concerned that the structure would be out of character with the neighborhood and that dangers were posed by the tower's height and potential radiation emissions. “This is a big concern – nobody wants a huge structure on top of a house next to you,” said Juniper Park Civic Association member Tony Nunziato, who plans to testify at the board's hearing. “There is a potential for cancer and it's an eyesore. I just hope the board pulls it.”Omnipoint Communications could not be reached for comment.Markey's bus will depart from Maspeth Town Hall, located at 53-37 72nd St., at 11:30 a.m. Those interested in attending the hearing can reserve a space on the bus by calling 718-651-3185 before Jan. 24, Markey said. The cost for the bus was paid for by community group COMET and Maspeth Federal Savings & Loan, she said.Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
