Residents of New York’s Upper West Side have expressed their discontent over the recent installation of 5G cell towers in the area. One particular tower, standing 32 feet tall on Columbus Avenue between 94th and 95th Streets, has sparked significant criticism for its appearance. Erected in March as part of the Link5G project aimed at enhancing the city’s high-speed internet infrastructure, this tower is expected to be among many more in a plan that anticipates a total of 2,000 towers throughout the city in the coming years.
While designed to boost 5G connectivity and provide access to free Wi-Fi kiosks, many locals regard the tower as an eyesore. Critics have been vocal about the tower’s intrusive presence, with 58-year-old Pam Gould stating, “It looks monstrous. It’s definitely ugly…
It overshadows everything around it.” Local residents are concerned that the structure disrupts the neighborhood’s aesthetic and should have been placed more thoughtfully amidst the surrounding trees. Despite the criticism, there are those who appreciate the tower.
Allan Ripp, a 71-year-old lifelong Upper West Side resident, praised it as a modern addition, likening it to a sculpture that adds character to the neighborhood. However, others are skeptical of its value. Tara Fray, who has lived in the area for two decades, remarked that only homeless individuals seem to utilize the Link5G kiosks.
She expressed surprise over the tower’s installation, suggesting that while it may fit in a place like Dubai, it feels out of place in her neighborhood. Overall, the introduction of the 5G cell tower has highlighted a divide among residents, balancing the promise of technological advancement against aesthetic and social concerns.