Some of the best conversations can happen around a dinner table, and about a dozen residents of River Heights, Canada met to discuss construction of a tower due to be erected near an MTS switching station.
The Winnipeg Free Press reported that earlier this year, 19 residents in the area were notified that MTS planned to erect the tower near their homes. Residents raised concerns about potential health problems, declining property values and aesthetics.
Residents are concerned about the exact location of the tower, and one told the newspaper that MTS is “going against the system to build the tower.” Abigail Mickelthwate told the news site: “The MTS-proposed tower goes against Winnipeg’s antenna policy recommendations that were actually adopted by the city council on May 27, 2015.”
She said the city recommends 180 feet for this location, and MTS is asking that the tower be eight to 10 feet from a residence. However, all residents agree that cell service is needed in that neighborhood.
“The policy adopted by council last spring states the city prefers new antenna systems be built outside of residential areas, with some exceptions. It also discourages tower construction directly in front of doors, windows, balconies or in front of residential properties,” the Winnipeg Free Press noted.
The residents will voice their concerns again at an MTS meeting this evening at 6 p.m. in River Heights.
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