East Lyme — The Board of Selectmen voted Wednesday for the town to become an intervenor before the state Siting Council as the council considers an application to build a temporary cell tower off Ancient Highway.

More than 60 residents, some holding signs that read “East Lyme Residents for Responsible Cell Tower Placement” and "No AT&T Tower," showed up at Wednesday's Board of Selectmen meeting in opposition to the proposal.

Residents told the selectmen the proposed tower would lower property values, lead to environmental issues and be inappropriate for the residential area.

AT&T has a petition before the state Siting Council that it doesn't need a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need to build an 85-foot temporary cell tower on land off Ancient Highway.

The petition states its lease for the site of an existing cell tower off Scott Road will expire at the end of the year. AT&T also says in the petition that it is working to place a permanent tower whether at the same location off Ancient Highway or another unidentified site.

Meanwhile, AT&T also posted a public notice last month to build a 175-foot permanent tower at that location off Ancient Highway.

"This is not just 'not in my backyard,' this is not in anybody's backyard," resident Jim Fleming told the Board of Selectmen. He added that the town has two industrial parks and other industrial sites that would be more suitable for the cell tower.

Resident Anne Santoro pointed out that a temporary tower raises the same issues, such as environmental damage or issues of egress, as a permanent tower.

Rocco Tricarico said the system in Connecticut — in which the state Siting Council decides the placement of cell towers — takes the power away from town boards and residents. He said the Board of Selectmen and residents should band together.

"We plan on fighting this for as long as it takes, and we want you to be our partner in that fight," he said.

The Board of Selectmen voted for the town to apply to serve as an intervenor before the Siting Council "to ensure the interest of the town and residents are represented." Being an intervenor would mean the town would be privy to all the information from the Siting Council. The board also gave the town attorney and commissions the go-ahead to review the proposal for environment, property value or other concerns.

First Selectman Mark Nickerson said he has offered six alternative sites to AT&T.

The selectmen also recommended that residents contact their state elected officials.

k.drelich@theday.com

Twitter: @KimberlyDrelich