FRIENDS along with other preservation and community organizations have expressed strong opposition to the installation of a Link 5G tower at 1150 Madison Avenue. This pushback comes even after the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) gave its approval for the construction, stating that the tower would have "no adverse" impact on nearby historical sites. However, SHPO did recommend a minor design change, suggesting an alternative color to silver for the tower's top.

Despite SHPO's approval, concerns about the tower's visual impact and necessity persist within the community. In a recent interview with Pix11, FRIENDS Executive Director Nuha Ansari articulated the sentiment of many, stating that the "32-feet tall, bulky chrome towers" would be out of place in the neighborhood. She emphasized that Madison Avenue is a designated special preservation district, where the Landmark Preservation Commission carefully regulates storefront designs. Ansari voiced her surprise that such a large and obtrusive structure would even be considered for this location.

FRIENDS had previously engaged with SHPO as a consulting party, formally recommending the disapproval of the tower at this specific location and advocating for a more appropriate and less intrusive design, suggesting the placement of 5G transmitters on existing infrastructure to minimize disruption to the already crowded sidewalks.

To read more about the neighborhood opposition to the proposed 5G tower at this location, read James Barron's "Does Madison Avenue Need A 5G Tower?" article in the NYT.

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