When the controversial cell tower in Little Silver, NJ was first erected in 2017, it drew both supporters and detractors. The Two River Times reports that Verizon Wireless has ignited debate by announcing its intention to overhaul some of the tower’s equipment. Specifically, it has said that it would like to replace six older antennas and add six more to provide better coverage.
Residents who did not like the 95-foot tower when it was first built re-aired their grievances, including both the unsightly appearance of the cell tower and the unproven allegations of carcinogenic side effects from digital transmissions. The decision by the city council to approve a tolling agreement with Verizon Wireless was not well received in all quarters, but Mayor Robert Neff pointed out the approval would open the door for a public hearing with Verizon representatives.
Neff has the task of balancing the concerns of Little Silver residents along with both federal mandates, and what he believes is best for his town. Neff explained that he would like to avoid lawsuits from either Verizon or AT&T, which is also interested in cell tower space. By approving the tolling agreement, Mayor Neff expressed his hope that the extra time will allow the parties to work together and come to mutually satisfactory agreements.
“We’re dealing with some very difficult federal law,” Neff told The Two River Times. “We kind of start with the deck stacked against us.”
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