HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 4, 2026 - Town of Enfield Planning Board Meeting MinutesTown of Enfield Planning Board Meeting
February 4, 2026
7 PM
In-Person and Via the Zoom Meeting Platform
Present: Planning Board Chair Dan Walker, Planning Board Member Henry Hansteen, Ann Chaffee, Rich Teeter,
Mike Carpenter; Planning Board Alternate Rosie Carpenter; Town Clerk Mary Cornell, Town Board Member
Robert Lynch
Call to Order: Dan called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM
Review of Minutes: Hansteen moved and Teeter seconded to approve the January 7th minutes, All Aye,
Carried.
Sketch Plan/Preliminary site plan review conference for proposed cell tower at 217 Van Dorn Rd North.
Tony Phillips- Director of Zoning & Permitting at Kendall Communications. Jeff Steinberg & Rich Helmbright of
Kendall Communications.
Dan asked Tony to explain the project. Verizon had asked them to look for an alternate location for a cell tower
as their current tower rental location has seen rent increase astronomically over the past several years. A new
tower/location will save Verizon significant funds, which will help keep costs lower for Verizon’s customers.
Which is why they are contemplating this move. Hansteen commented that this sounds like this is being built
to help Verizon. The planning board had questions and concerns. The main concern was that the tower would
not have adequate space in case it fell to avoid the roadway or structures. Dan the lease area is only 100’ x
100’ for a 200’ tower. Mike asked how Kendall Communications would protect the residents in the lease area if
the tower did not fall as it was expected. Tony responded that there are no residence or structures nearby and
the company that certifies the Tower states that it will not fall over. Mike the problem is the company that is
building it, what is the protocol, and who is the Tower company? Tony responded that Kendall
Communications is the company that is securing the approval. These types of towers are often placed near
expressways and high-density buildings and the company would be responsible for the insurance waivers, etc.
R. Teeter, we are pretty rural, is there a reason why you are not proposing putting the tower back further on
the property? Jeff Steinberg stated there are a couple of different parcels, not all of them are owned by the
same owner of the proposed parcel. Jeff also responded that they look at the topography and where the other
towers are in the system and finding a landowner who is interested in the project. Mike C., being further from
the road would not give the 50’ pushback. The property owner had wanted it closer to the road to free up
some of the property. Tony asked what the current holdup concern is, is it the fall zone ? Dan for Enfield this is a
relatively dense area and what was submitted meets Planning Board requirements. Next steps, as this is near
Hayts Rd, which is a county road a form will need to be completed and sent to the County Planning Board. You
will need to file an official request and then complete the SEQR. Dan stated that there is nothing in town law
that excludes a 195’ Tower in the Town. We do however, have to take into consideration the residents and
environmental impact. Discussion continued. Rosie asked what happens with the tower that is currently in the
area? It can still be used by others at the location. Teeter asked Councilperson Lynch his thoughts. Lynch’s
opinion is that this is going to serve Verizon not the public.
The other item on the agenda was pulled. It was for one of the Breezy Meadows lots that was sold. This is
another location that wants to subdivide. Dan has been in email conversation with the property owner, as part
of deed restrictions their lawyer is checking to see if they can legally subdivide the lot.
Adjournment: Teeter moved and M. Carpenter seconded to adjourn, adjourned at 8:37 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Cornell
Mary Cornell
Town Clerk
Planning Board Clerk