Richard Gere is said to be on a winning streak with his controversial plan to build a cell phone tower at his luxury guesthouse.
The “American Gigolo” actor, 73, sparked outrage among his wealthy, famous neighbors with his proposal for the 130-foot-tall mast on 14 acres of land where his luxury Bedford Post Inn in Bedford, Westchester County, New York, is based. .
Although prominent residents of the famous area of town said they were “mad” that it was an eyesore, the New York Post has reported that the plan “appears to be headed for approval” after Monday’s Bedford Town Council meeting. (19.12.22)
Richard co-owns the eight-room Bedford Post, which opened 15 years ago, with real estate developer Russell Hernandez and charges more than $1,000 a night for its best rooms.
The couple was asked by Bedford Town Supervisor Ellen Calves in June if they would lease their land for a cell tower to fill gaps in coverage for cell phone users in the area.
Ellen admitted to the New York Post about the plan, “many members of the public were asking the city council to find a less intrusive alternative,” but she justified the request by adding, “Given that the Post Inn property is commercial and commercial, it’s considered ‘less intrusive’ than a residential area, I was looking… to see if they would consider this.’
The motion was not fully approved at Monday’s meeting, but Ellen warned that even the wealth and power of local residents may not be enough to stop it from going ahead.
She added to the Post: “Just because people with money and power threaten to sue doesn’t mean they get more respect than anyone else.”
“We have to make the right decision for the whole town.” This is a matter of public safety and quality of life.”
Celebrities who live in Bedford and surrounding towns include Martha Stewart, Ralph Lauren, Matt Damon, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively.
It is not clear where they stand on the cell proposal.
But two of the most influential large-scale residents opposed to its construction are the parents of actresses Kate and Rooney Mara – Kathleen Rooney Mara, whose family owns the Pittsburgh Steelers, and her husband Chris Mara, son of former New York Giants owner Wellington Mara . and grandson of Giants founder Tim Mara.
The couple have lived in Bedford for nearly 40 years, and Kathleen protested in an email to the town’s planning board in November: “In the winter I have a beautiful view. And I look forward to it every year.
“Now I will be looking at an ugly tower that will soon become obsolete if the location is approved.”
She has added of the proposal: “I don’t understand why they would want it there. Isn’t everyone like that? Like, not in my backyard or whatever, you know?”
