Monroe County is upgrading its emergency communication systems. A total of 17 locations county-wide will be affected. Plans have been underway to construct an antenna tower just north of the Hilton water tower. The structure will be 180 feet tall and self supporting. It will exceed the height of the water tower by 45 feet. The new tower is an essential element for improving communications between public safety organizations, including police, fire, ambulance and other emergency service, according to a press release from the Village of Hilton.
The new antenna will enhance radio coverage for bad reception zones. It will also make inter-communication between emergency agencies possible.
Preparations have been ongoing and site work began recently. The tower was scheduled to be delivered to the site by Friday, June 15 and is to be constructed on Wednesday, June 20. The project will be fully operational by 2017.
Monroe County held a public information meeting on April 5, 2011, to inform citizens about the antenna and its location. Notification of the meeting was advertised in the Suburban News.
The antenna is strictly for public safety use.
Questions and concerns can be directed to the Monroe County Public Safety Director, Steve Bowman at mcpublicsafety@monroecounty.gov or to Rich Verdouw at rverdouw@monroecounty.gov.
Note: The Village of Hilton Newsletter of May 2011 included information about the tower. The newsletter is mailed to Hilton village residents and businesses.
