A newly approved plan to build a cell phone tower is drawing criticism in the town of Cortlandt.

Cortlandt Town Planning Board approved an application last week to build a 140-foot Verizon wireless cell tower at 52 Montrose Station Road.

The applicants say the cell phone tower will help remedy a significant gap in coverage, but the plan is getting some pushback from residents.

Many residents voiced concerns at previous planning board meetings, requesting the application by Homeland Towers be rejected in the hope that another location could be selected.

They say they worry the proposed tower will be an eyesore and would be too close to residential homes. They also have health concerns and say this location will lower their property value by up to 20%.

Homeland Towers says in their application that Montrose Station Road is the best location to improve cell phone coverage, especially for hikers in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountain Park.

The program coordinator for Westchester County Fire says it would "enhance public safety."

Homeland Towers will be required to replant 9 trees, provide erosion control and some document to show they have complied with the approved project.