In a bid to replace a contentious network of large 5G cell phone antenna towers, tech firm Comptek is proposing a more aesthetically pleasing design that is generating interest among city officials. The current 32-foot-high towers have faced opposition from parts of the city, including Soho and Carnegie Hill on the Upper East Side, where residents have criticised their appearance as intrusive and out of place.
Comptek’s alternative design features smaller, more elegant poles that can be attached to lampposts, creating a less obtrusive presence. These redesigned poles can be customised to blend into the local architecture and character, according to the company. The firm, which has successfully installed similar smart pole technologies in Los Angeles, Denver and other major US cities, is keen to collaborate with community residents in the design process.
“We are excited to present this solution to New York City. It addresses aesthetic concerns raised by various communities and allows every neighbourhood to secure the internet access they need,” said Jim Lockwood, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Comptek.
Lockwood added that the company plans to implement the new design in six months, once each neighbourhood selects a pole design that fits with their existing street light fixtures. He expressed eagerness to work with city officials and communities to maintain the aesthetic integrity of neighbourhoods while advancing this important technological goal.
However, the proposed towers have not been without opposition. Some of the city’s wealthier neighbourhoods have objected to their installation, arguing that they would be out of context in historic districts.
Rep. Jerrold Nadler, who represents Manhattan’s East and West Side, has previously written to the Chair of the Federal Communications Commission, Jessica Rosenworcel, calling for a review under the National Historic Preservation Act, while also expressing the need to expand broadband capacity.
Despite criticism that Nadler is more focused on aesthetics than tackling pressing issues such as crime, his office has been briefed on Comptek’s proposal. A spokesperson for the congressman suggested that Mayor Eric Adams considers implementing the smaller towers, describing it as a ‘win-win’ for everyone.
The proposed 5G towers have also faced objections from former Knicks basketball star John Starks who was unhappy with a tower being installed directly in front of his car dealership in Queens.
In response to the proposal, the Office of Technology and Innovation, the lead agency for the Adams administration, stated it will review Comptek’s design. Any design changes to the Link5G kiosks, currently owned and operated by City Bridge, would necessitate extensive public review and approval from the Public Design Commission.
City Bridge defended the current 5G towers, with representative Margaux Knee stating that they have undergone a rigorous public review process over the past three years. She further emphasised the company’s commitment to bringing free public WiFi and high speed broadband to more communities.
