DATE:    December 1, 2004

TO:       Council Members

FROM:    S. Derek Phelps, Executive Director

RE:         DOCKET NO. 301 - Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need for the construction, maintenance, and operation of a cellular telecommunications facility located at 100 Pond Lily Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut.

I. Introduction

The application is from Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless for the construction, maintenance, and operation of a telecommunications facility and associated equipment in the City of New Haven, Connecticut.

Cellco is proposing to replace an existing 40-foot flagpole with an 80-foot flagpole communications tower within a 1,100 square foot compound on property of the Econolodge Inn Hotel and Conference Center at 100 Pond Lily Avenue. The proposed site is immediately south of the Wilbur Cross Parkway near the westerly end of the West Rock Tunnel.

II. Technical

The application includes relevant maps, descriptions of the proposed prime and alternate site, costs, a description of the environmental effects of the proposed construction, and health and safety information. The application meets statutory technical requirements for processing the application. Council staff believes additional information can be obtained through pre-hearing interrogatories. This project would not require an outside consultant.

III. Administrative Review

The applicant has stated that all service and filing requirements pursuant to General Statutes § 16-50l (b) have been fulfilled. The applicant stated that notice to the general public was published in the New Haven Register.

IV. Procedural

The Council must schedule a hearing for the proceeding between 30 and 150 days after receipt of an application. The Council must also appoint a custodian of the docket and designate a place for the deposition of the transcript. Staff recommends designating Lisa Fontaine as custodian of the docket, holding the public hearing in the City of New Haven on Thursday, February 17, 2005, and depositing the transcript in the City Clerk’s Office of the New Haven City Hall.

V. Proposed Schedule

David Martin
Siting Analyst