Balloon Test Held, Site Somewhat Visible

T-Mobile held a balloon test Saturday in an effort to determine the visibility of a possible cell tower off to the side of the Bridgewater Township Library.

The balloon could be seen from a few locations around the library, and the intersections of surrounding residential streets. The balloon could also be seen from certain areas surrounding the Prince Rodgers Baseball Field.

The T-Mobile balloon test had first been scheduled for May 4 and then May 11, but both were cancelled because of forecasted high winds.

With a settlement possible, T-Mobile conducted the balloon test to determine if there is a possibility for constructing a cell tower in a location other than the Green Knoll Fire House.

The zoning board, in May 2012, denied an application from T-Mobile to build a cell tower at the fire house. T-Mobile subsequently filed suit against the township.

According to a letter filed April 5 with the United States District Court in Trenton, the township and T-Mobile are in the midst of discussing a possible settlement, which would identify municipal-owned property as a possible location for the monopole facility.

But before the township would consent to the settlement, the letter said, it requested that a balloon test be conducted on the property.

According to a post on the township website, the reason for the test was to “determine the visual impact of a cellular tower at the library site should an alternate site be chosen.”

Did you get a chance to check out the balloon test? Do you think the library would be a good site for the tower?