Letters

For years, a friend and I have been walking around Gerard Point with our dogs in the early evening, most months of the year. On July 2, we started out from her property on Accabonac Harbor to travel around the “point” for a walk. The dogs know the route, and we make sure not to disturb any fisherman or families enjoying the area.

As we were rounding the point, heading for the Gardiners Bay side, we approached the area where the town has placed slabs of concrete to keep erosion under control. I experienced some weakness in my leg, and it turns out that my other foot was under one of the slabs, just enough that I tried and fell backward on the sand and concrete. I heard the crunch of bones in my leg and figured I wasn’t going to get up and finish the walk.

I did have my cellphone with me and tried to get in touch with the Springs Firehouse — no contact. I then tried a longtime ambulance driver and friend down the road, and got a very weak signal to him. At that point, my friend rounded up the dogs, went back to her car and got them in, came to the point, and came back for me. Several fishermen were nearby, and they graciously carried me to her car. All the time I was still trying to get in touch with emergency services on my cellphone.

Only after we arrived in my driveway the Springs ambulance arrived.

If I could have stood up, I would have seen the existing cell tower at the Springs Firehouse!

I know that there is controversy over the construction of the tower; however, it is in a perfect spot to not only service the fire department but to service the wider Springs community. It is time to get this done — whatever changes need to be made to comply with town and county regulations should be made. The Springs Fire Department needs to be equipped with the communications necessary to provide proper emergency support for the community, including the Springs School.

It is obvious to anyone living in the area that the cell service in the area is woefully inadequate! I would implore the few who object to rethink their objections and have concern for all the residents of our hamlet. Many of us live here 365 days a year, not just a few months in the summer.

Cell towers are a way of life, just like airports and automobiles. We must coexist!

Dru RaleySprings