We oppose the 32-foot tall 5G tower at 129 Avenue C between East 8th and 9th Streets in Manhattan, and request that it be immediately removed.

This tower is unnecessarily large and obtrusive, and presents a jarring contrast with the low-rise tenement streetscape of the neighborhood. Avenue C has a narrow sidewalk, which is already crowded with pedestrian traffic, strollers, wheelchairs, trash cans, and numerous sidewalk cafes. The tower was installed only twelve feet away from the residential apartment building directly behind it, and negatively impacts the view of the street, and the historic urban landscape of the East Village. There has to be a better way to deliver technology in Manhattan that is less brutal in design. The city plans to install 2,000 towers throughout the five boroughs. 

While there may be a need for 5G cell towers in Manhattan, this block of Avenue C is not a high-need area. Additionally, this tower does not deliver free Wi-Fi to residents in their homes. To access the free Wi-Fi, one must stand on Avenue C, with a device in hand, plugged into the tower. The tower's primary purpose is to provide rental space to cell phone providers — it is merely a source of revenue for the city. 

Not only are the towers of limited benefit to residents, there has not been sufficient outreach to address concerns about any potential adverse or long-term health effects of living or working in close proximity to these towers. Dr. Devra Lee Davis, Ph.D., MPH, founder and president of Environmental Health Trust, wants a moratorium on 5G cell towers. https://ehtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/EHT-5G-Health-and-Environment-Open-Letter-3_2021-3.pdf

Please remove the 5G tower at 129 Avenue C immediately.