The town of Manchester in southwestern Vermont has become popular for both its scenic views and its outlet stores. Given its mountainous and rural setting, maintaining a strong digital signal for both residents and visitors is an increasingly important issue, according to the Manchester Journal. Verizon Wireless has proposed a 140-foot cell tower on Northshire Civic Center’s property within Hunter Park. The site would be located near an existing solar panel array, across the parking lot from the Riley Skating Rink in a non-residential neighborhood. Nevertheless, when the suggestion was first put forth earlier this year, residents expressed some trepidation.
Following up on residents’ concerns, the Selectboard agreed to meet with the various parties to discuss the matter further. MSK Attorneys of Burlington replied on behalf of Verizon saying that the telecom would be happy to attend a meeting in Manchester. As the Manchester Journal noted, the Selectboard and Planning Commission have previously said that they are not in favor of the cell tower, though the authority to make a decision falls under the sole jurisdiction of the Public Utility Commission.
AT&T went through a similar process recently and some residents have said that they would also like Verizon Wireless to conduct its own balloon test. Bill Drunsic, who owns a hotel and spa on Main Street said, “What we’re selling is our viewshed. To have a cell tower right in the full view of our proposed project would not be desirable.”
Also eyeing the prospect of a 140-foot cell tower, Bill Beideman, the second assistant chief of the Manchester Fire Department, noted he wanted to verify that the tower’s height would not conflict with the nearby FlightMed emergency landing zone. “We have been in contact with FlightMed,” Beideman told the Manchester Journal. “It looks like it’s about 800 feet northwest of the landing zone. We don’t know if it’s an issue.”
One alarmist resident also passed out flyers around town, citing phantom health concerns about radiation dangers. “The radiation out there now is far greater than ever,” stated pamphlet author Martine Victor, “I think we need to act with caution.”
Although the date of the upcoming Public Hearing has not yet been announced, Town Manager Scott Murphy said that Verizon Wireless was quick to acknowledge the request and provided several possible dates for the meeting.
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