The Otis (MA) town board is requesting proposals to build a cell tower on public land near Big Pond to close a coverage gap. Residents whose homes and cottages line Big Pond’s shores are “vehemently” opposed to the plan, reported the Berkshire Eagle.
Many neighbors are poised to join the Board of Selectmen’s online session today. Residents worry the tower will “lower property values [18 to 30 percent] and mar the landscape.” Frank Rizzo, a long-time property owner at the pond, said of the tower, “Nobody wants it.”
Since the initial online information session earlier this month regarding the project, residents have hired an attorney specializing in tower issues. They’ve also created a website – stopthebigpondcelltower.org – a GoFundMe campaign to cover legal expenses, and delivered a petition with over 200 signatures to town officials, reported the Eagle.
The town has told residents that Otis stands to receive roughly $1,000 a month in revenue from the tower. Submissions in response to the request for proposal are due today.
Reader Interactions