Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Telecommunications Permit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves AT&T equipment upgrades at MIT site with filing and compliance conditions
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals granted a special permit for AT&T equipment upgrades on the Dorrance Building (MIT), requiring the carrier to file federal emissions reports with Inspectional Services and to maintain the approved appearance; one member recused because of an MIT affiliation.
The Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeals granted a special permit on Oct. 9 (case BZA118293260) allowing AT&T (Singular Wireless) to upgrade antennas and associated equipment on the Dorrance Building (Building 16) on the MIT campus near Memorial Drive.
Tim Green, speaking for Singular Wireless/AT&T, said the carrier has maintained a facility on that rooftop for about 20 years and proposed a modest technical upgrade involving replacement and the technical reconfiguration of antennas. "AT&T has had a facility here for, probably close to 20 years now," Green said, and he described the changes as limited with minimal public view except a narrow sliver from Memorial Drive.
Board member Daniel Legato recused himself from the Vassar Street case because he works at MIT and indicated that affiliation could present a conflict; the applicant confirmed they were willing to proceed with four voting members. The chair opened public comment and reported none.
The chair moved to grant the special permit subject to standard plan‑compliance conditions, photo‑simulation conformance and ongoing maintenance of the approved appearance. Given ongoing public concern about electromagnetic emissions, the board imposed additional conditions requiring the petitioner to file with the city Inspectional Services Department any reports it files with federal authorities regarding electromagnetic energy wave emissions from the site within 10 business days of filing with federal authorities; failure to file such reports would automatically terminate the special permit. The board also required the petitioner to file a sworn installation affidavit within 10 business days after receipt of a building permit, confirming the equipment installation complies with federal safety rules and the approved locations and safeguards.
On roll call the board recorded four votes in favor and the special permit was granted. The board noted the special permit would terminate automatically if federal licenses were suspended or revoked, and the petitioner may reapply in accordance with the city's repetitive‑petition rules if termination occurs.
The board closed the meeting after the vote.
