The national debate about local versus federal jurisdiction on telecommunication matters has reached even the residents of rural Maine. A proposal to erect a 120 foot tower is currently under review by the Brunswick town council and lawyers are lining up on both sides of the issue, reported the Forecaster. Local restrictions limit the structure’s height to 40 feet, making the 120 foot request well in excess of what residents have formerly approved.
Petitioner Joseph Fallon, who has begun plans to build a home in the community, is seeking approval for the tower under a federal law that allows for reasonable accommodation to supercede town ordinances. Established precedents frequently support requests that are viewed as reasonable. In this case, the proposed structure is for amateur operators, rather than corporate entities.
On the flip side, townsfolk fear that a large tower would be unsightly and would ruin the visual appeal of their home landscape. The Maine Historic Preservation Commission has been asked to weigh in, as concerns mount about the potential danger posed if the tower were to fall in a neighborhood setting. Opponents also question why existing tower options are not adequate for the petitioners purposes, reported the Forecaster.
A former occupant of the property, the Pennell Shipyard, may have left debris that would necessitate a ground survey before beginning construction. Concerns are varied, with some residents willing to discuss options, and others against building a tower on any terms. Whether the new tower can be built at all, and at what height, has yet to be decided.
December 19, 2017
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