North Hempstead approves wireless cell antennas atop North Shore University Hospital

The North Hempstead Town Board voted unanimously Tuesday to approve two proposals: one to place Verizon Wireless cell antennas on top of the 10-story Monti Pavilion at North Shore University Hospital, and one to build a two-floor extension to the Lord & Taylor department store in Manhasset.

At a public hearing, Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and all six council members voted in favor of the North Shore hospital cell antennas project.

John Walter, president of the Flower Hill Association, a civic group, asked why antennas should be built at the hospital when there are three Verizon antennas inside the 250-foot-tall steeple of the Congregational Church of Manhasset.

Verizon representatives said the hospital is located outside of an area -- about 2 1/2 square miles -- of Verizon cellphone service generated by the antennas in the steeple. The 13 new antennas at the hospital are designed to provide enhanced Verizon service for the building.

Bosworth and five council members also voted to approve construction of a 37,150-square-foot extension to the Lord & Taylor department store that will be built on its parking lot. Councilman Angelo Ferrara abstained from voting because his son works for Lord & Taylor's parent company, Hudson's Bay.

At the meeting, Sue Auriemma of Manhasset said the addition to the store may lead to increased traffic at the intersection of Northern Boulevard and Shelter Rock Road. Town officials said a study might be conducted to reconfigure the street signals and facilitate traffic.

Gloria Sombrotto, general manager of nuBest salon and spa, which is on the same street as Lord & Taylor, voiced concern about the project possibly blocking the visibility of the nuBest building and customer access. Lord & Taylor representatives said the addition wouldn't obstruct nuBest or its signs.

"I think that the town is on board for the project and I think that it will improve the look of Northern Boulevard," Sombrotto said.