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Gila Hot Springs residents tell commissioners proposed 5G tower permitting process lacked community input and raised safety concerns
Summary
Residents of Gila Hot Springs told the Grant County Commission that a proposed communications tower permit lacked adequate community consultation and raised fire‑safety and process questions.
Residents of Gila Hot Springs urged the Grant County Commission to take a more active, community‑led approach to siting broadband infrastructure, saying a proposed Wireless New Mexico (WNM) tower in the village did not meet setback requirements and that the county permit agentWireless Tireless Solutions (WTS) appeared to advise approving a permit and seeking a variance later.
"One electric grid dependent 5 g tower in a location known for extreme weather, fire, and extended power outages isn't the right choice," Patrice Smacnick, director of the nonprofit Part of the Gila, told commissioners. Smacnick said more than two dozen of the village's 30–40 residents reached out to commissioners and that WNM did not consult the community in advance.
Robert Hunter, a 30‑year resident, said his neighborhood was chosen for a permanent residence because of its quiet character and opposed introducing a communications tower that would be "not commensurate with the wilderness ethic."
Smacnick also said county records showed a setback requirement was not met and voiced concern that the county's technical agent, WTS, was paid by the broadband company, a relationship she said could present a conflict of interest. "WTS is the county's agent for the permit process, but the records show that it was WNM that pays the agent," she told the board. "That makes some sense ... but it also can pose a possible conflict of interest."
County staff told the board the permit did not meet setback requirements and that the permit was pulled. The county manager later reviewed the Thursday agenda and noted the WNM chief operating officer will present an update on broadband projects at the regular meeting.
No administrative action to approve or deny a permit was taken at the work session. Commissioners asked for continued communication with residents and more information about alternatives for siting and community engagement.
Provenance: public-comment transcript excerpts during the Grant County work session (see provenance).
