2019-01-10-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 An abutter, Mr. Derrick White at 4 Baskin Road, raised his great concern regarding the justification of installing an additional wireless communications antenna in the area. Mr. White questioned the capacity of the current system and the capacity of the new system stating that the needs of the current system is possibly being addressed already. Mr. White cited the town bylaws and reminded the Board that it is an objective of the town to minimize the wireless communication towers in the community. Mr. White continued to explain that there is currently a tower 1500 feet from the proposed one. This tower is located on their property. Mr. White believes that the services being offered by the communications tower on their property may be overlapping in coverage with the proposed antenna. Mr. White asked if there are any zoning regulations that govern the proposed tower. The Zoning Administrator, Ms. Jennifer Gingras, stated that since the tower will be installed in a government/civic zone that it does not have to abide by the town bylaws. An abutter and partner of Mr. Derrick White, Ms. Mary White also located at 4 Baskin Road, presented before the Board. Ms. White continued to explain the negative impacts that the tower installed on their property has had on their lives. The tower is currently aligned with the second story of their home. Ms. White stated that the radio frequency and magnetic field emanating from the tower has continued to impact her family. Ms. White has made many attempts to remove the communications tower but has received no communication from Verizon Wireless regarding her complaints and possible resolutions. Ms. White stated that her neighbors have supported her efforts to remove the tower. Ms. Krieger asked what authority the Zoning Board of Appeals has over the tower at large. It was decided that the Board has no jurisdiction regarding the tower on Baskin Road. Mr. Cohen asked if a technical expert could come before the Board to help explain the technical aspects of the impact that the proposed antenna would have. Mr. Klasnick stated that included in their application is the proper paperwork regarding the technical aspects of the proposed project. This includes a health study which the FCC has exclusive jurisdiction over. Mr. Klasnick reiterated that the Communications Advisory supported. Ms. White stated that she believes there is no need for this proposed antenna. Ms. Wood asked how much overlap in coverage there would be once the proposed antenna is installed. Ms. Masterman thanked Mr. and Mrs. White for sharing their story. She asked the abutters if the tower on their property was not there then would they be in front of the ZBA today regarding this tower. Mr. Klasnick stated that they are before the ZBA not out of necessity but rather at the recommendation of the Town Counsel.