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Residents and commissioners press questions about proposed telecom tower near Thompson school; town staff point to siting council and environmental review
Summary
A proposed Robinson & Cole wireless communications facility on town land near a school drew public concern about health risks, transparency and process. Staff said the state siting council, FCC and an environmental study are involved and that the town is a party to the case; the town also negotiated an emergency-communications clause for public-safety use.
A proposed wireless telecommunications facility on town-owned land prompted widespread public comment and commissioner questions at the June 22 meeting, with concerns focused on health risks near children, regulatory process and public notice.
What was raised: Multiple speakers cited international examples and expressed concern about potential cancer risks near schools. A public commenter referenced cases in California, Massachusetts and other countries where communities linked clusters of cancer cases to proximate telecommunications infrastructure. Commissioners and public commenters urged transparency and early notice so citizens could participate in the state siting-council process.
Town staff response: The first selectman and planning staff said the proposal will proceed through the state siting council and an FCC review and that an environmental study is under way. The town is a party to the siting application because it would lease town land; staff said that positions the town to receive notices and the application materials. The first selectman also said the town inserted a clause in the proposed lease giving emergency-communications access to local public-safety agencies at no charge.
Why it matters: The facility would be on or near town property adjacent to a school and therefore raises questions about public-safety communications, community acceptance and regulatory jurisdiction. The siting council's decision and the outcome of environmental and FCC reviews will determine whether and how the project proceeds.
Next steps: Staff will circulate siting-council materials and environmental-review findings as they become available; residents were advised they can comment to the siting council and the town will receive formal notices as a party to the case.
