By: Hal C Clarke

A newly installed 5G tower on the Upper West Side is sparking outrage among locals — with some residents slamming it as a hideous blight on their neighborhood, while others spin government surveillance theories, The New York Post reported.

Standing at 32 feet tall between West 94th and 95th Streets on Columbus Avenue, the towering structure is part of the city’s broader Link5G initiative to boost high-speed internet access. But many longtime residents feel blindsided by its arrival.

“It looks monstrous,” Pam Gould, 58, told The New York Post. Gould, who has lived in the area for 20 years, criticized the tower for overwhelming the surrounding scenery. “It overshadows everything around it, like the trees. It doesn’t fit in with this neighborhood,” she said. “They just threw it here without any thought.”

The Link5G project aims to install about 2,000 towers citywide, with 200 already completed, according to The New York Post. Besides supporting 5G infrastructure, the towers offer USB charging ports and local Wi-Fi connectivity for passersby.

Still, that explanation isn’t enough for many Upper West Siders. Tara Fray, another resident of 20 years, said the towering addition felt alien. “When I first saw it, I thought, ‘What the heck is that?’” Fray told The New York Post, joking that it would look more at home in Dubai with its shiny, futuristic design. She questioned the necessity of the tower, observing that only homeless individuals seemed to be using it so far.

Others criticized what they see as excessive spending. “Charging your phone is pampering people. Do it at home,” said Marjan N., 65, a 27-year neighborhood resident. He called the project “an unbelievable waste” and even floated the idea that the towers could be used for surveillance.

Such suspicions aren’t uncommon. Since 5G technology began rolling out in 2019, conspiracy theories have swirled about its alleged health risks and potential government spying. One local, Michelle Watson, 64, referenced George Orwell’s 1984 when speaking to The New York Post, warning, “Those things are coming true.” She vowed to monitor the tower closely and dig deeper into its implications.

However, health organizations, including the World Health Organization, have confirmed that 5G signals are safe, debunking many of the lingering myths.

Meanwhile, the debate rages on. At least three additional 5G towers are in the pipeline for the Upper West Side, pending approval at locations along Broadway, The New York Post noted. City Council member Gale Brewer, whose district covers the area, has voiced concerns about preserving the neighborhood’s character amidst the city’s tech upgrades.

In 2022, similar protests broke out on the Upper East Side as residents tried unsuccessfully to block new tower installations. Still, not everyone is opposed to the modernization efforts.

“It’s great for any neighborhood; we are fortunate to have it,” said Allan Ripp, 71, who has lived in the area for 45 years. Ripp praised the tower’s design, telling The New York Post that it resembled a modern sculpture and fit the spirit of an evolving city.

Whether viewed as an eyesore, a futuristic convenience, or a looming Big Brother device, the Upper West Side’s newest 5G tower has certainly made its presence felt.