Residents Demand Halt to Verizon Cell Tower Construction in Greenville

During a recent meeting of the Plumas County Board of Supervisors, significant concerns were raised regarding the construction of a Verizon cell tower in Greenville, which has sparked strong opposition from local residents. The tower, standing at 200 feet, is set to be built on a parcel of land adjacent to several homes, including that of John Stewart, whose daughter, Hannah Stewart, voiced her family's objections during the public comment segment.

Hannah Stewart highlighted the emotional and practical implications of the tower's placement, noting that it would be visible from her father's home and the nearby Maidu Washoe Family Cemetery. She described the tower as an "ugly" structure that would not only mar the landscape but also potentially decrease property values in the area. Her father, who had previously turned down a financial offer from Verizon to place the tower on his property, expressed his desire to maintain the natural beauty of the surroundings for his family and neighbors.

The discussion revealed a broader issue regarding the permitting process for the tower. Hannah Stewart criticized the planning department for not notifying residents about the tower's construction, citing a bureaucratic loophole that allowed the project to proceed without community input. She argued that the planning department failed to conduct due diligence by not considering the proximity of homes and the cemetery when issuing the permit.

The sentiments expressed during the meeting reflect a growing tension between the need for improved communication infrastructure and the preservation of community aesthetics and property values. Residents are calling for immediate action to halt construction and relocate the tower to a less intrusive site within the same parcel.

As the Board of Supervisors considers these concerns, the outcome of this situation may set a precedent for how similar projects are handled in the future, particularly in areas recovering from the devastating impacts of the Dixie Fire. The community's push for dialogue and involvement in decisions affecting their environment underscores the importance of balancing technological advancement with the preservation of local heritage and quality of life.