Verizon's Second 5G Tower Proposal Faces Neighborhood Backlash

Rochester City Council member speaks out against planned cell tower at Oneida Street and Portland Avenue

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:20am

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A highly detailed 3D illustration of a glowing, futuristic 5G cell tower emitting bright cyan and magenta energy beams, set against a dark urban backdrop. The tower's intricate, cyberpunk-inspired design conveys the technological advancement of 5G infrastructure while also hinting at the community's unease over its local impact.The proposed 5G cell tower has sparked concerns from Rochester residents over its visual impact and potential risks to the community.Rochester Today

Verizon has submitted a second proposal to build a 5G cell tower at the corner of Oneida Street and Portland Avenue in Rochester, New York, but the plan is facing strong opposition from local residents and the area's City Council member. Neighbors are concerned about the tower's impact on property values, visual aesthetics, and potential risks to children's safety.

Why it matters

The debate over 5G tower placement highlights the ongoing tensions between the rollout of new wireless infrastructure and community concerns about the local impact. As 5G becomes more widespread, cities and neighborhoods will continue to grapple with balancing technological progress with quality of life issues.

The details

Verizon's latest proposal for the 5G tower is considered worse than the original plan by Councilmember Michael Patterson, who represents the northeast Rochester neighborhood. Multiple residents have approached Patterson to get the proposal shut down, citing concerns over property values, the visual impact of the tower, and potential risks to children.

  • Verizon submitted its second proposal for the 5G tower in March 2026.
  • A public hearing on the proposal was held before the Rochester City Planning Commission on March 31, 2026.

The players

Michael Patterson

A Rochester City Council member who represents the northeast neighborhood where Verizon's proposed 5G tower would be located.

Verizon

An American telecommunications company that has submitted a second proposal to build a 5G cell tower at the corner of Oneida Street and Portland Avenue in Rochester, New York.

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What they’re saying

“As a matter of fact, it's a worse proposal than the original proposal because it looks — it actually looks worse than the original proposal.”

— Michael Patterson, Rochester City Council member

What’s next

The Rochester City Planning Commission will review Verizon's second proposal and hear additional public feedback before making a decision on whether to approve the 5G tower.

The takeaway

The ongoing debate over Verizon's proposed 5G tower in Rochester highlights the challenges cities face in balancing the need for new wireless infrastructure with community concerns about the local impact. As 5G deployment continues, finding ways to address resident fears over property values, aesthetics, and safety will be crucial.