Plans for a 150-foot cell tower at a Medford horse farm have been postponed after residents and Brookhaven Town Board members pushed for a different location.

The town board, acting as the planning board, delayed a decision until Nov. 19 following a 90-minute public hearing last Thursday.

The proposal

Elite Towers, Verizon Wireless, and the Yaphank Fire District had sought approval to build the tower and support structures on a 2,500-square-foot section of Country Farms Equestrian Center on Bellport Avenue. The tower would serve commercial cell carriers and carry a 9-foot antenna for the fire department.

Garden City lawyer Gregory R. Alvarez, representing Deer Park-based Elite Towers, told the board the site sits "in the exact center of the area" that needs better cell coverage, and said the fire department has had its own communications disruptions.

Neighbors push back

Eight residents spoke against the tower, arguing it would be unsightly and out of place in the mostly residential neighborhood. Several suggested alternative sites, including a golf course or the warehouse complex near the Long Island Expressway's Exit 66.

One Medford resident challenged the developer's description of the pole as a "concealment tower," arguing that the label didn't change how visible it would actually be from nearby homes.

Board members want changes

Councilman Michael Loguercio suggested shortening the pole to 120 feet, and Councilman Neil Foley said the tower would disrupt neighbors' views. Alvarez said a shorter pole would significantly reduce the tower's coverage area.

By the end of the hearing, Alvarez agreed to explore other locations. The board's decision is now expected Nov. 19.