The Town of Hempstead Board of Zoning and Appeals has denied an application by T-Mobile to build a cell tower in a residential community in Franklin Square. The decision concluded a lengthy process during which a grass roots organization fought every step to prevent the proposal from going through.

The fight began when T-Mobile filed an application to erect a 65-foot cell tower, disguised as a flagpole, at 340 Dogwood Avenue in front of the Franklin Bridge Centre Shopping Plaza.

Concerned residents who didn't want to see the cell tower in their community banned together and formed the Franklin Square United Neighborhood Association (FSUNA), which committed itself to fighting the proposal.

Raising money through fundraisers and donations, FSUNA hired attorney Tom McKevitt, who presented the case for the community in front of the board of zoning and appeals. McKevitt and FSUNA argued that the tower was not needed and it would negatively affect the aesthetic look of the neighborhood.

The fight against T-Mobile has been going on for over two years. The hearing with the board of zoning and appeals was first heard on Sept. 28, 2006 and then continued on May 15, 2008 with the board just recently rendering its decision to deny the application.

One of the key people behind FSUNA, Ron Lipsky of Franklin Square, was ecstatic upon hearing the new of the denial of the application. "I can't tell you how happy I am. I went around on the weekend just personally going to homes, thanking people who were helpful and they were just like dancing in the streets," Lipsky said. "It was just unbelievable."

Taking on a mobile phone carrier isn't exactly an easy job. Because they are considered public utilities, they are entitled to certain rights under federal law. However, the board of zoning and appeals felt that the tower would have a negative impact on the community. "It was definitely well worth it," Lipsky said of the fight. "It goes to show that if you're really focused and persistent and you want something bad enough and you have people behind you, supporting you, even though you're dealing with seemingly insurmountable odds, if you're smart enough, you can succeed."

Assemblyman Tom Alfano, who supported the Franklin Square United Neighbors Association, congratulated the members of the organization for their successful fight. "For those who said you can't beat a multimillion dollar corporation, I have only one thing to say - you haven't met the people of Franklin_Square," he said. "This was an effort that brought everyone together fighting for a_common cause - our quality of life in our neighborhoods. FSUNA and Ron_Lipsky did an outstanding job. They can't be thanked enough."