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To The Editor,

We have learned that Verizon is actively constructing a 115 foot, 12 antenna cell tower at the top of Alma Street. We are strongly opposed to the Zoning Board granting this Special Use Permit for the following reasons:

There is a 35 foot height restriction for a reason

There is a 35 foot height restriction on the residential land that the tower is being constructed on. The height and placement of this cell tower will significantly impact the community in a zoning area specifically prohibits structures over 35 feet.  This is a neighborhood full of single family homes and a tower located adjacent to it is not in keeping with the characteristics of the neighborhood.

Cell towers significantly reduce property value

Research, professional experience and common sense make it clear that the proposed cell tower will have an extraordinary financial impact on residents. 94% of home buyers and renters are less interested and would pay less for a property located near a cell tower or antenna. They feel this way because of the visual blight, and also concerns about health impacts.  79% said that under no circumstances would they ever purchase or rent a property within a few blocks of a cell tower or antennas. This impact on property values will affect not only the homes near to the tower, but will affect properties throughout our streets and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Cell towers create visual blight

The visual impact of this cell tower will drastically alter the defining aesthetic characteristic of the neighborhood. The neighborhood is not only rural, but the intrinsic value of the community and the natural beauty which we came here for. We bought our homes here because of the characteristics which define this neighborhood. The visual element of the neighborhood will be forever altered by a 1115-foot cell tower, with the ability to be extended to 150 feet with 48 cellular antennas looming overhead.

Cell towers decrease the health and safety to the neighborhood

The visual impact of this cell tower will drastically alter the defining aesthetic characteristic of the neighborhood. The neighborhood is not only rural, but the intrinsic value of the community and the natural beauty which we came here for. We bought our homes here because of the characteristics which define this neighborhood. The visual element of the neighborhood will be forever altered by a 1115-foot cell tower, with the ability to be extended to 150 feet with 48 cellular antennas looming overhead.

Residents were not given a say in the cell tower

Abutters within 300 feet were supposed to be sent letters notifying them of the construction and their ability to attend a meeting. Abutters did not get the notifications and did not have the opportunity to attend. The city cannot provide any proof of mailing. Neighbors here pay their tax and water bills, send their children to school and receive mailings from the city all the time. Abutting neighbors are also aware of the 877 address, as misleading as it is, due to speaking up about other projects that were over the height restriction.

Verizon cannot prove this tower needs to be located here

A search of towers shows 8 towers in a five mile radius of Alma Street; two towers can be seen from this neighborhood. Verizon shows full 4G coverage to the area the tower will serve. If there needs to be additional tower is needed, there is plenty of open land or locations away from where children, retirees, families, cancer survivors, Vietnam Vets, home makers live, sleep and spend their time here.

Towers create safety issues
Beyond the overwhelming and documented health effects from base tower radiation, towers regularly are stuck by lightening, catch fire, collapse and are not maintained. When towers are independently tested, they are consistently over the exposure limits recommended by RF/microwave safety standards set for the tower. When placed on open land away from homes, this is often not a problem, but within a neighborhood this becomes a serious safety issue.

We urge everyone to speak up against the Special Use Permit and allow us to retain the safety, beauty, ambiance, enjoyment and value of our property. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,