UPDATE In a letter to Verizon, New Jersey Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) last week urged the telecommunications giant to “heed the genuine economic, aesthetic, environmental and health concerns of the community” and rescind its plans to install twenty 30-foot towers along the boardwalk in Belmar as Verizon’s lawsuit against the town has opened a new opportunity to halt the project.
“I write to express my strong opposition to Verizon’s plans to install imposing, unsightly 5G infrastructure along the beachfront in the Borough of Belmar in my Congressional District,” Smith wrote in his letter to SVP of Federal Government Relations Robert Fisher. “Belmar is a booming tourist destination and is regularly named among the best beach towns in New Jersey,” Smith said.
“Not surprisingly, Belmar’s pristine beaches create substantial seasonal revenue which helps to sustain the town’s economy throughout the year,” said Smith, noting that many local community leaders and residents have argued that the towers will obstruct ocean views, devalue real estate, dissuade tourism and harm local businesses.
“Many residents have raised serious questions about the potential health ramifications of this new technology on residents and wildlife,” continued Smith. “And though long-term human health studies have yet to be completed on 5G frequencies utilized in this relatively new use of the technology, I believe it would be short-sighted to dismiss health concerns until adequate and comprehensive studies have been conducted.”
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