UPDATE At a Naples, FL City Council meeting last week, local officials said the multiple issues of state statutes, dealing with regulatory agencies, permits, aesthetics and safety, can be daunting. City Manager Jay Boodheshwar said that is why many municipalities turn to consultants for guidance.
As Gulfshore Business reports, the most recent council meeting included a lively discussion attempting to balance the need for better cell coverage with the upset generated by the presence of more cell towers. For years, the City of Naples has tried to exert some control over its digital development without overstepping federal and state regulations. Although the city was unable to impose a ban on cell towers, it does have some say over the appearance and placement of new cell tower equipment.
After ushering in Crown Castle Fiber in 2018, the city has grown to include 15 cell towers, with Verizon waiting on seven more pending requests. CityScape has worked with Naples to include units disguised as trees, and favors smaller cell tower poles when coverage needs will allow it.
Speaking on behalf of CityScape, VP Susan Rabold told the council that to truly address their coverage needs, Naples would need 40 to 50 small cells. Fewer macro cells would also work, but Gulfshore Business noted that this would require amending city codes to allow them.
“I’ve gotten many, many, many more calls from residents complaining about poor cell coverage in Naples, particularly at the north end of town than I have from residents complaining about the risk of radiation poisoning,” added Councilman Christman, confirming that local residents are more concerned with the appearance of cell towers than fretting about phantom health risks.
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