Hi Guys, Let me start off by saying I do not care what side of the argument you are on regarding the construction of cell towers in our near neighborhoods, however, here in Glastonbury there are now three cell site proposals that have the community up in arms. I live within 200 yards of one proposed site (110 foot) and I am not happy about it. The second tower that is within an 1/8th mile is going to be 170 feet tall! The town says they are powerless in the matter and we must bring our opposition to the Connecticut Siting Council. We cannot use health issues as an argument which makes it difficult. There will be some loss of property value which bothers me to no end and the landscape will be ruined. If anyone has any insight into these matters it would be greatly appreciated. A group has been formed which is made up of over 100 residence form 10 different roads near these towers and we are trying to make some headway. We found that Verizon actually has access to an alternative to the towers which uses special antennas in a grid based on the electric pole locations. We would like to push the Siting Council to make Verizon use this or any other method that doesn't involve very tall towers. Now my neighbors and I have been accused of being NIMBY's as seen here: http://www.topix.com/forum/city/glastonbury-ct/TGK820G2FFBRDRD8O The guys reasoning is very "collective", I am seeing more of this lately on other matters as well. Maybe we are, but if there is a better way I would like too know. 3 towers at once is hard to swallow. --Mike
Mike, I feel your pain. Honestly, who can say that they would not adopt the NIMBY attitude when the notification of intent arrives at your own home. A few years ago Sprint wanted to erect a cell tower on the hill behind our house on an abutting property. I don't think that you were at last year's gathering but I can tell you that there is no tower there. Sprint has gone away at least for now. If a tower ever goes up there then I'll be moving. Direct cost $9,000 for attorney with speciality in municipal law and mailings to residents. Time - 200+ hours of research and rallying neighbors, speaking with town officials and town meetings all in less than eight weeks. The whole situation left me ...let's say...unhappy...and since then I provided info to three other groups that were in the same situation that you're in. Results two more denials and the third was relocated and height was reduced. Don't know if I can avoid buying a cell phone forever, but I'm trying after many sleepless nights working on this project. Cell phones seem to provide great convenience and are unarguably useful for an emergency, however, I'm now very mindful of the fact that somone has to pay a price for using them. I'll send you a pm with my contact info. Good luck. - Ed -
Heres one idea. Our church has a brand new steeple courtesy of some cell company in addition to yearly rent. http://www.greenfieldhillchurch.com/
