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Planning board sets Verizon study-session timeline; members disclose recusals and neighbors raise concerns
Summary
The board and Verizon representatives agreed on a schedule of public study sessions ahead of a formal hearing and confirmed a plan for public education; two board members disclosed conflicts related to properties near the proposed tower and recused themselves from deliberations on that site.
The Westport Island Planning Board and Verizon representatives discussed a timeline of study sessions and a later public hearing for a proposed Verizon tower, emphasizing community outreach and technical presentations before any formal decision.
The chair proposed an initial approach of public study sessions — interpreted as non‑decisional forums for the applicant to explain technical issues and for the public to ask questions — followed by a fully noticed hearing. Proposed dates discussed at the meeting included a first study session near July 28 (or July 29 as an administrative backup), a second session on Aug. 19 and a public hearing during the board’s regular meeting on Sept. 9. Verizon asked for flexibility in scheduling so technical staff and engineers could be present at key sessions.
During the conversation two board members disclosed conflicts tied to the specific tower location. One member said family property lies within 1,000 feet of the proposed site and will participate in conversations only as a member of the public; another member said she had previously recused herself and explained she had discussed alternative locations with the tower company and offered her site as a potential option, and she again recused herself from deliberations on this particular location. The board recorded those recusals on the record.
Neighbors and other residents attended and said they plan to submit written comments and raise concerns at the scheduled study sessions and hearing. One nearby resident said she would prepare a written letter outlining concerns about proximity and impacts and that she expected a larger public turnout at formal meetings than was present the night of July 8.
The board voted to adopt the tentative schedule, subject to confirmation of town‑hall availability and publication of notice, and asked staff to create a public webpage to centralize application materials, applicant responses and board requests so that questions and answers would be available to the larger public.
No permit or final decision was made at the July 8 meeting; the schedule is intended to ensure broad public participation and to allow technical personnel from the applicant to respond to detailed questions before the hearing.
