Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel urging a review of the proposed installation of Link5G Cellular Towers throughout New York City’s historic preservation districts. Congressman Nadler amplified concerns raised by constituents residing in Historic Districts of the Upper East Side, Expanded Carnegie Hill, Park Avenue, SoHo-Cast Iron, and Morningside Heights that the 32-foot-tall towers would be out of context with the historic nature of these neighborhoods. 

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires that each federal agency identify and assess the effects its actions may have on historic buildings. Under Section 106, each federal agency must consider public views and concerns about historic preservation issues when making final project decisions. Since its creation in 1965, New York City's Landmarks Preservation Commission has designated 155 historic districts and historic district extensions throughout the five boroughs. The total number of protected sites also includes 1,449 individual landmarks, 121 interior landmarks, and 11 scenic landmarks.

The full letter can be found below and is linked here.

Jessica Rosenworcel
Chairwoman
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
45 L Street NE
Washington, DC 20554

Dear Chairwoman Rosenworcel,

I am writing to request that you review the impacts of the proposed installation of Link5G Cellular Towers throughout New York City according to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The New York City Mayor’s Office of Technology and Innovation, in partnership with CityBridge, released a plan in November 2022 to install 32-foot Link5G towers across the city to expand the city’s 5G infrastructure.

As a Member of Congress Representing New York City, I support the project’s aim to address the gaps in broadband access and affordability for New Yorkers. However, I want to ensure that the project is following federal regulations, including regulations pertaining to historic preservation. I am concerned that the locations proposed for many of the towers are within Historic Districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places that are located within New York City, including the Historic Districts of the Upper East Side, Expanded Carnegie Hill, Park Avenue, SoHo-Cast Iron, and Morningside Heights.

Historic Districts were created to preserve collections of landmark buildings that create a distinct sense of place, embody a specific architectural style, or reflect a historical period. On its face, the proposed design and large footprint of these 32-foot-tall towers will be out of context with the historic nature of these neighborhoods and will negatively affect the coherent streetscape of the district that New York City has worked so hard to maintain since the establishment of the groundbreaking New York City Landmarks in 1965.

I request that the FCC investigates this matter and institutes a Section 106 review if appropriate. Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

                                                                                         
JERROLD NADLER

Member of Congress