A group of citizens is proposing a task force to monitor the construction of cell towers in Woodstock.
Last night, representatives from the Woodstock Citizens for Responsible Cell Tower Placement met with the Board of Selectmen to outline plans for a Wireless Telecommunications Task Force made up of members from several town boards and town residents.
Reading from a letter as part of a presentation to selectmen, Lisa Rapose, speaking on behalf of the group, said the group “is not opposed to wireless coverage in our town. The intent … is to ensure that the best interests of the town and its citizens are considered.”
Ms. Rapose went on to outline a three-step road map that includes imposing a 180-day moratorium on issuing permits for wireless telecommunications facilities; setting up the task force; and producing a comprehensive Woodstock Master Wireless Telecommunications Plan.
The road map cites a letter from the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission to the Connecticut Siting Council requesting the moratorium to give the town time to develop its master plan. Further, according to the road map, while the siting council does not have to honor the moratorium, it is required to take into account the preferences of the town and to encourage municipalities to “take an active role in relevant council processes.”
First Selectman Allan Walker and Selectman Mitch Eaffy approved the initial stages of forming the task force by agreeing to advertise for volunteers to serve on the panel, and said they would seek volunteers from the six boards recommended by the group. The task force would not be permanent and is expected to have a one-year charge.
Selectman Chandler Paquette was unable to attend last night’s meeting.
Speaking with reporters later, Ms. Rapose reiterated the group’s stance on the placement of cell towers.
“We’re not opposed to wireless service or cell towers,” she said.
The “inappropriate placement” of cell towers could adversely affect the scenic character of the town, she continued. She also emphasized that, so far, no company has made a formal application to the siting council, but one company, CellCo, an engineering arm of Verizon, has done engineering and technical studies on possible locations for a new tower, most notably on a hilltop near the intersection of Child Dome Road and Prospect Street. A photograph displayed outside the meeting room shows an open field with a grove of trees in the background. The proposed site is visible from several miles, and a tower would be quite noticeable, she said.
Ms. Rapose also said the notion of NIMBY (not in my back yard) did not apply in the case of the group’s concern. “Someone asks if you want a cell tower in your back yard and you say no, then they say ‘Throw away your cell phone’. But if they ask, do you want a wastewater plant in your back yard and you say no, then what, throw out your toilet?”
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Group proposes new task force to monitor siting of cell towers
Source: News Telegram
Date: 04/18/2008
