Residents raise health and visual-impact concerns as selectboard hears advance notice for 160-foot tower

Annette Smith, with Vermonters for a Clean Environment, told the selectboard the town had received an advance notice for a proposed Industrial Tower & Wireless site and walked attendees through the Public Utility Commission (PUC/EPUC) advance-notice process, the 60-day window and the PUC's 180-day administrative timeline. Smith said the advance notice lists a proposed 160-foot tower with four antennas that could reach about 173 feet when antenna arrays are included; she urged the board to review the town plan and bylaw and to provide a written recommendation because municipalities receive "substantial deference" under 30 V.S.A. § 248a.

Neighbors and commission members questioned siting and potential health and aesthetic effects. A nearby resident who identified himself as Nelson Jaquay described sleeplessness and worry over health impacts, saying, "I'm one of the ones who isn't sleeping," and other residents raised concerns about cumulative exposure and the tower's proximity to a cemetery. Smith recommended a balloon test and offered to arrange drone and photo simulations to show how a fully equipped tower would appear in the view shed. The board agreed to post notice, invite residents to the balloon test and hold a public meeting; Smith said the applicant told the town it would not file a petition until after the public meeting.