A story about Nassau Countys 500Mhz System

[dave3825]

NASSAU TOWERS OF TROUBLE
Static on county's radios
Localities balk at relay towers in $46M emergency network
BY CAROL EISENBERG
Newsday Washington Bureau

January 4, 2007
WASHINGTON - An urgently needed radio system that would enable Nassau first responders to talk to one another in emergencies, including a terrorist attack, is months behind schedule because of the reluctance of several localities to allow microwave dishes or antennae on their water towers.

One NorthShore water district - Jericho - has refused to participate because the dishes are "environmentally and aesthetically objectionable," according to a letter from its counsel obtained by Newsday
Bayville residents have raised health concerns, although the village permits 52 antennae from various cell companies on its tower now.

Other localities indicated they would consider the proposal if they were paid, noting they get tens of thousands a year from cell carriers.

"I just don't understand why there's so much resistance, especially since the system is essential for homeland security and county safety," said Edmund Horace, a Nassau County Police Department deputy inspector and special project manager. "I believe it's unconscionable. I think if the general public were aware of the roadblocks to a public safety radio system that is supposed to serve them, they would be appalled. "

The $46-million radio system would enable village, town and county first responders to communicate with one another, as well as with Suffolk, New York City and state and federal agencies. County officials signed a contract with Motorola a year and a half ago to replace their existing 24-year-old system, which has dead zones and is so antiquated that many parts cannot be replaced.

But with only four months to go before an April target date, only eight of 24 required sites have been lined up - with five of those on county property.

Horace said that Jericho and FarmingdaleVillage have refused to participate, although a Farmingdale official denied that late yesterday. Many localities are still considering the proposal, first made in September 2005.

Signed participants are the Port Washington Water District, East Hills and the American Ref-Fuel plant in Westbury.

The difficulties Nassau is having setting up the radio system shed light on why the New York metropolitan area received only middling grades for emergency communication on a report card issued yesterday by the Homeland Security Department. The report called for "political and fiscal support for broader region wide communications interoperability. "

"The bottom line is we're not getting the level of cooperation we had hoped for," said Nassau Deputy County Executive Helena Williams. "First responders received such tremendous support from the public after Sept. 11, 2001. We need to ensure that they can count on that same level of public support today. "

Williams questioned concerns raised by localities about health issues or costs.

The county would install and take care of the equipment itself, she said. "And this can't be a health issue since everyone uses cell phones," she added. "The water districts and localities are trying to make a public safety issue into a monetary issue for their gain. "

If the county is forced to do so, it would consider condemnation of property, Williams said, "but we'd like to work in a cooperative fashion. "

But several local officials said yesterday that they had not made decisions because the county had not addressed their concerns.

Bayville Mayor Victoria Siegel said village officials had heard from more than 100 people on the proposal to mount two antennae on its water tower, across from a grade school. No decision had been made, she said, but "the majority opinion we heard is, 'It causes cancer,' 'We don't want it,' 'Put it somewhere else. ' "

She acknowledged that the village now has 52 antennae from cell carriers who pay annual fees. Asked the difference, she said, "When these cell carriers were going up on the water tower, people have not come to public hearings. "

Farmingdale Village Administrator-Clerk David Smollett, meanwhile, denied the county had been turned down.

"We asked what kind of compensation they would be offering because we have to make sure it's maintained, just like we get usage fees from Nextel, Cingular and T-Mobile," he said. "We've been waiting to hear back.

Asked how much the village had asked in "compensation," he demurred. The fees from cell carriers range from $25,000 to $150,000 a year, he said. "We're not looking to make big bucks. It's more to cover maintenance and make sure it's kept secure. "
As for the Jericho Water District, General Manager Greg Hendrickson confirmed that, "as far we're concerned, the proposal is dead."

Talking points on radio system
Why the county wants the system

To replace an outmoded communications system that has dead zones around the county

To enable communications among all county and village police departments, 71 fire departments and six ambulance districts, as well as with Suffolk County, New York City and state and federal agencies.

Why some water districts oppose it

Financial issues. Districts receive payments from cell phone companies that put antennae on water towers and some are exploring the possibility of similar payments from the county.

Questions about how the antennae or microwave dishes would look.

Health concerns.

How it would work

Motorola's proposed system would integrate Nassau's police communications through a series of radios and strategically placed towers. About 24 relays would be installed in Nassau, allowing for broader, countywide communication.

1. Officer in police car communicates via handheld or car radio

2. Signal is sent to a relay system positioned on a water tower or something similar. Cell phone companies have similar systems installed on some water towers.

3. That unit relays the signal to either a central command station or another officer

SOURCE: MOTOROLA

[RayK]

First this story is full of half truths. They are setting up MW comm links ,which is not the same as celluar antenna's . Its like oranges and apples. Why install on water towers there are plenty of other towers available.Problem is Motorola doesn't want to pay fees for use on other towers. Next who would be responsible for any liability with these MW antenna's being installed on the water towers, the water companys, water distirect, motorola , the town ,or county ?? Also towns have the same resistance to cell towers ??? Nobody wants a cell tower in thier back yard.

[studgeman]

one word, Stupidity! The same people saying it causes cancer are the same ones talking for hours on their cell phone held up to their ear in the LIE driving their $40,000 BMW at 85MPH (well 85 when you can).

[vsny]

Nassau County politics at it's best ??

[railtrailbiker]

It's all about dollars, and nothing about sense!

[mtindor]

Originally Posted by RayK

Nobody wants a cell tower in thier back yard.

Aside from the fact that a cell tower in my back yard could hamper my scanner listening due to overload, I find towers to be aesthetically appealing - majestic if you will. Four or five in my backyard wouldn't bother me a bit. There is a prolific spread of towers across the urban environment these days - it's just one of those facts of life and all communities will eventually have to assimilate

Mike

[gatekeep]

Originally Posted by mtindor

Aside from the fact that a cell tower in my back yard could hamper my scanner listening due to overload, I find towers to be aesthetically appealing - majestic if you will. Four or five in my backyard wouldn't bother me a bit. There is a prolific spread of towers across the urban environment these days - it's just one of those facts of life and all communities will eventually have to assimilate

Mike

Perhaps you could charge the cell company a small fortune for it, oh, and have them put a nice antenna for your scanner right on top ...

[BFD319]

NCPD can put a tower in my backyard anyday as long as I get to use the tower also.

[PJH]

1st off, Motorola doesn't have to pay for the towers or fee's. Thats all the county.

2nd, the locals must be pissed off at something else, and does look money driven on their end.

[bezking]

Originally Posted by BFD319

NCPD can put a tower in my backyard anyday as long as I get to use the tower also.

I agree! - I could pick Dog the Bounty Hunter's Radio system (Hawaii) from New York! LOL!!! (:

[daleduke17]

This sounds like the problem around here with wind turbines being put up. "Great idea, just not in my backyard". What happened to the outpouring of support for first responders after 9-11? Apparently in the last six years it has all gone away.

People will piss and moan over anything tied into police, fire or EMS until something tragic happens and then they all jump on the bandwagon. Where is the support when preplanning is needed, I ask you? The neighborhood lets all sorts of towers be put up for personal use, but balks when something that could save their well-being is asked to be put up. Go figure.

Yes, sore spot. :-p

[crashcrew]

Originally Posted by daleduke17

What happened to the outpouring of support for first responders after 9-11? Apparently in the last six years it has all gone away.

The novelty wore off...we're back to being POS now

[daleduke17]

Originally Posted by crashcrew

The novelty wore off...we're back to being POS now

That's what I figured.

[crashcrew]

Originally Posted by daleduke17

That's what I figured.

Yep, on September 10 and before I was a POS, then for about a year after 9/11 we were the greatest thing since sliced bread, but now........ that's why my signature says it all.

[newsnick175]

Yes, while I think Nassau needs to get its new 500Mhz digital TRS, I also think things have gone over board with this "interoperablity/home land security" thing. They have become the "Buzz Words" of the century. Just look at the money monster the state is straping to our[tax payers]back! Why is it nessary for a state trooper in Bridgehampton to be able to talk with his counterpart in Erie? I guess it would be to tell him the Russians have landed at Montuak and to be ready for refugees! These state wide systems only duplacate the efforts of the counties which duplacate the efforts of the towns etc. The only thing really going on is the money being made by those who think our government can protect all of us from everything. Interoperablity is not for everyone. Only high level supervisors need to talk to other supervisors. You build a system open to all and the first time something happens, you'll have the mass confusion that killed 343 fire fighters all trying to talk on the same radio channel at the same time. Nick

[moonies]

All comments are right on!! Money is at the source of everything,especially in this county!! I am amazed at peoples ignorance to the importance of communication.People trivialize its importance UNTIL they are inconvenienced or dis-serviced. They are playing russian roulette with public servants lives as well as the counties residents.Lets all pray that a disaster/terrorist attack doesnt happen here,otherwise, if it does you BETTER have your cell phone powered because your portable certainly WONT work!!

[w2lie]

This is N.I.M.B.Y. at its best....

And just my $0.02 -> I bet you the first people to complain that the system doesn't work (for what ever reason.. they couldn't get help on time, etc) are the people that are slowing this entire project up.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking forward to waiting on MA/Com to eventually be part of a trunked scanner, but I would just love to smack some people up side the head and ask why they feel the need to be such a pain in the arse.!!!!

[ALLPLOWEDOUT]

"NCPD can put a tower in my backyard anyday as long as I get to use the tower also."
I'd have it up in a heartbeat!

It's gonna be quite interesting when they start deploying the system.