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Residents raise health and property concerns over planned Whitaker Road antennas
Summary
Neighbors told the Hyde Park planning commission they received state notice of antennas to be mounted on a silo on Whitaker Road and raised health fears and worries about property-value impacts; the town official agreed to contact the Public Utility Commission for details and next steps.
Several residents told the Hyde Park Planning Commission that a company is proposing antennas on a silo near Whitaker Road in North Hyde Park and that abutting property owners received notice from the state process. One resident, speaking during public comment, described prior health problems and said she was worried about radio-frequency exposure from the proposed install.
"I've already had a brain tumor. I've had it removed twice, and I really don't care to be living where there's waves walking through the air that could affect me more," the resident said, asking the commission what protections or avenues for appeal exist. Neighbors also said they worried about possible depreciation of nearby property values, citing materials that suggested declines "up to 30%" when towers are nearby.
Commission members and other residents discussed the technical scope: several speakers said the proposal appears to be antennas attached to an existing silo, not a new freestanding tower, and noted the applicant plans to paint antennas to match the silo. A local participant said the silo is about 65 feet tall and that the project will include a small equipment building and a backup generator.
Commission members stressed the distinction between local bylaws and the state's permit process. One commissioner said the town cannot directly approve or deny a state-issued utility permit and advised residents to take advantage of any appeal mechanism. Alex, the town contact, told those present he would contact the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to clarify the filing and to assemble answers to residents' questions.
"I'll take a peek into the process and exactly what the commission is proposing," Alex said, and offered to reach out to sign-in contacts to coordinate follow-up.
The commission did not take formal action on the permit; commissioners agreed to have staff and the town contact gather information about notification and appeal options for residents.
