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Resident urges board to deny proposed cell tower, says propagation maps don’t prove a service gap
Summary
During citizen comment a resident (Amy) urged the planning board to require hard data before granting variance or approval for a proposed wireless facility, arguing that propagation maps alone do not demonstrate a legally significant coverage gap and raising aesthetic and property‑value concerns.
During the citizen‑comment portion of the meeting, a resident identified as Amy urged the board to reject or scrutinize a proposed wireless telecommunications tower. Amy read from a written memo of opposition and told the board, "Propagation maps do not prove the existence of a significant gap in service," adding that hard evidence such as dropped‑call records and third‑party drive tests are necessary to show a legally cognizable gap.
She argued that the town's comprehensive plan and land‑use ordinance protect neighborhood character and that federal courts have allowed local governments to deny zoning applications for wireless facilities when there are "significant or unnecessary adverse aesthetic impacts." She told the board those impacts and potential reductions in nearby property values were appropriate grounds for denial unless the applicant provided quantified evidence of a large gap affecting many users.
Board members responded by noting procedural next steps: an appeals board meeting was scheduled for Aug. 6 to consider related variance questions, and the planning process will require that opponents and proponents present evidence at the proper hearings. No formal action on the cell‑tower matter was taken during this meeting.
