DATE:   September 14, 2006

TO:      Council Members

FROM:   S. Derek Phelps, Executive Director

RE:       DOCKET NO. 319 - Optasite, Inc. and New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need for the construction, maintenance and operation of a telecommunications facility on one of two sites at 1662 Gold Star Memorial Highway (Route 184), Groton, Connecticut.

        I. Introduction

Optasite, Inc. (Optasite) and New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (Cingular) have applied for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (Certificate) for the construction, maintenance, and operation of a telecommunications facility and associated equipment in the Town of Groton, Connecticut. The parcel is approximately 32 acres.

The proposed Site A would consist of a 150 foot monopole within a 75 foot by 75 foot fenced area located in the center of the parcel. Cingular would locate antennas at the 120 foot level of the proposed monopole.

The proposed site B would consist of a 160 foot monopole within a 100 foot by 50 foot equipment compound located approximately 450 feet south of proposed Site A. Cingular would locate antennas at the 130 foot level of the proposed structure.

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 London Day and the Groton Times.

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 Adriana Popa as custodian of the docket, holding the public hearing in the Town of Groton on Tuesday, November 28, 2006, and depositing the transcript in the Groton Town Hall.

V. Proposed Schedule