Plans for new cell tower in Hebron approved

HEBRON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A new cell tower is expected to be built in the town of Hebron. Leaders in Washington County have agreed to lease county-owned property on Big Burch Hill Road to Verizon.

Calls for improved cell service were renewed after the deadly shooting of Kaylin Gillis in April 2023.

Gillis was shot when a car she was in accidentally turned up the wrong driveway. Gillis and her friends were looking for a friend's house nearby and got lost because of a poor GPS signal. Her friends had to drive several miles to Salem to call for help.

Officials said the shooting highlighted the need to improve cell service as a public safety issue. County leaders are waiting for Verizon to tell them when construction will begin.