| Author |
Message |
    
grw
Citizen
Username: Grw
Post Number: 56
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Friday, February 7, 2003 - 8:13 pm: |     |
Presuming truth to the asertion by Verizon that there is a gap in wireless communications service coverage of Maplewood, the question becomes not only how to increase coverage, but Who should decide. The currently proposed Maplewood Country Club golf course monopole may not be the desired remedy of the citizens of Maplewood, but it is not within the Zoning Board of Adjustment's purview to consider alternate locations. The Zoning Board of Adjustment may only decide on the issue of the application before it, and is not empowered to lay out a comprehensive plan for effective and aesthetic wireless communications coverage of the town.
Therefore, let Verizon be a good neighbor to those whose business it seeks and voluntarily rescind its application for variance from zoning requirements that is currently being considered by the zoning board of adjustment until the Maplewood planning board and town council have had a chance to plan for more comprehensive wireless communications coverage by all carriers through a rational planning process. In addition, let the Maplewood Country Club be a good neighbor and break its contract with verizon for the monopole, if need be.
At the same time, the planning board and town council MUST be forward thinking and quick acting in adopting a wireless communications ORDINANCE, which will be the controlling ordinance if adopted prior to the decision of the zoning board of adjustment. The planning board must look at model ordinances that have been adopted elsewhere, and recommend a well considered ordinance that considers multiple locational options, appropiate placement on existing structures, height limits, methods of mounting, aesthetic design, and effective area coverage to the town council for adoption. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 823
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, February 8, 2003 - 10:07 am: | |
Grw,
It’s not about Verizon being a good neighbor. The requirements of each carrier may be different. The coverage areas needed are not so much about their customers in town, but more about providing coverage for their customers everywhere. It's also not just about the Zoning Board, local ordinance, height limits, or aesthetic design. This is a federal matter.
Cell towers are unfortunately all about progress. If people in our town, our state, our country, and the world gave up their cell phones, this issue would be mute.
I have to laugh when I hear that residents will use a different cell service provider, a provider that has towers next to someone else’s property then their own.
We hear the tower is a health issue in a residential area, but how about next to our head, where we work, go to school, or play? Don’t think I’m in favor of the tower at the CC, because I’m not. But, when we demand cell phone coverage everywhere we go, the towers have to be built somewhere.
Interesting note: Last month Livingston’s Zoning Board unanimously approved a cellular tower for Omnipoint Communications, Inc. Expert testimony convinced Board members the new antenna did not represent a hazard to the community. West Essex Tribune, January 30, 2003. Board Chairman concluded from testimony that, “Relatively speaking it is safer to be standing under this tower than in your own kitchen.”
Hey, does anyone care to start a thread about all the things we don’t want to live next to? We can run, but we can’t hide. Use your imagination? Start with the different kinds of people we don’t want to move next to us, the list of different things we object to is endless.
Like telephone poles, towers will pass in favor of satellites, but probably not before we all pass ourselves.... Good luck, and keep up the good fight. |
Allison Solomon
Citizen
Username: 2dog
Post Number: 4
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, February 8, 2003 - 12:37 pm: | |
AJC - The people against the cell tower on the country club are not against reasonable progress. The problem here is that the town has no ordinace for the zoning board to follow which leaves us open to the agressive behavior of the telecommunication companies. GRW posting clearly states in the third paragraph that: appropriate placement on existing structures, height limits, multiple location options. All these arguments are reasonable alternatives to building a monster pole litereally within 100 feet of private property. Its time for the politicians in town to put up or face the consequences of their inaction. Three months of lead time has been wasted by their procrastination, Maplewood TC should pass a Cellular Ordinace before the Verizon vote. Because if there is no ordinace there competitors will be right behind them with applications to put up more big pole in your backyard. |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 829
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, February 8, 2003 - 1:59 pm: | |
Allison,
I agree with you. We are all facing the consequences of inaction. However, I don't believe we can blame it all on the politicians in town. They're trying!
Look, please let us all know how we can help you... Good luck. |
grw
Citizen
Username: Grw
Post Number: 57
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, February 8, 2003 - 2:54 pm: | |
At the last meeting, the Mayor of Millburn attended, he wanted to speak, however, I guess he was told that if he didn't have any questions for the witness of that night, he would have to wait and speak before the vote. He said he would be back. I was just wondering, where were our elected officials (even just one) |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 831
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, February 8, 2003 - 3:57 pm: | |
Grw,
Just because the town attorney and some of the TC showed up for the B&B hearings, do you expect they'll show up for everything? Pleeeese... |
grw
Citizen
Username: Grw
Post Number: 58
Registered: 12-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, February 8, 2003 - 6:19 pm: | |
your right
I don't think the B&B hearings were the only meetings they have shown up for, didn't they all come to the KFC meetings, I'm sure there were others!!
Maybe the Mayor of Millburn came to say that Millburn will Suuuuuuuuu |
ajc
Citizen
Username: Ajc
Post Number: 834
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, February 9, 2003 - 8:47 am: | |
Grw,
You too are probably right, so let me ask a question...
Have you ever noticed that you can tell what people support by where they spend their time and money?
Look at the meetings a Town Hall and the Board of Adjustment. Somehow we can always expect a bigger crowd when people are against something, then when they're in favor of it.... Go figure!
I tell you, life is a bitch sometimes. |
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