Residents protest 5G tower installation in Martin County citing property value concerns

Residents of Martin County are grappling with the implications of a new 5G cell tower installation that has sparked significant concern over property values and community aesthetics. During the Martin County Board of Commissioners meeting on December 10, 2024, Assistant County Engineer Matt Hammond provided an update on the small cell wireless infrastructure, which has been a contentious issue since the state of Florida enacted laws in 2019 that limit local control over such installations.

Hammond explained that 5G technology, which operates on higher frequencies than previous cellular networks, requires a denser network of smaller poles, leading to the installation of numerous small cell towers. He noted that the county has issued approximately 40 permits for these installations over the past five years, averaging about nine per year. However, the recent placement of a tower directly in front of a resident's home has raised alarms about its impact on property values and neighborhood aesthetics.

Resident Mr. Chalamo addressed the board, expressing gratitude for the temporary halt on construction but highlighting the lack of local authority to influence tower placement. He shared that multiple realtors confirmed that the presence of the tower could decrease property values by 7% to 20%. Chalamo proposed several solutions, including relocating the tower, enhancing its appearance, and establishing new ordinances for aesthetic standards.

Commissioners echoed Chalamo's concerns, with Commissioner Campe emphasizing the frustration over state preemption that limits local governance. The board discussed the need for advocacy at the state level, suggesting that residents attend an upcoming legislative delegation meeting to voice their concerns.

The meeting underscored the ongoing tension between technological advancement and community interests, as residents seek to protect their property values and maintain the character of their neighborhoods amidst the rapid expansion of wireless infrastructure. The board's commitment to addressing these issues reflects a growing awareness of the challenges posed by state regulations on local governance.