Located about as far east as one can travel in the U.S., Lavallette, NJ is situated on the Barnegat Peninsula which separates the bay from the Atlantic Ocean. Although the town occupies less than one square mile, it boasts almost 2,000 full-time residents, with the numbers increasing when vacationers arrive. Maintaining a digital connection to the mainland is of vital concern, though the local government is concerned about establishing guidelines for the placement of 5G poles.
At its last meeting, Mayor Walter LaCicero and the Borough Council voted in favor of an ordinance amendment intended to give them more authority over the town’s right-of-way (ROW), reports the Star News Group. The politicians have attempted to codify “the setting of policies, cabinets and antennas” for any new 5G cell towers in Lavallette.
The Borough Council granted itself the right to approve or reject cell tower applications based on its interpretation of the recommendations provided by the Lavallette Land Use Board, pursuant to the state statutes of New Jersey. Prior to the Council’s review, applicants are also required to meet with the borough engineer to review the applicant’s proposal and consider the impact on the ROW, according to the Star News Group.
Before even submitting a proposal, applicants should be aware that under the revised ordinances, a permit must be obtained. The Borough Council has decreed that no pole, antenna or cabinet can be installed in the municipal ROW without first issuing a ROW permit for that installation. The amendment also cautions that ground-level cabinets are prohibited in zones labeled RA, RB and RC and on any public grounds, limiting opportunities for any 5G pole placement.
Reader Interactions