By Antoinette Botsford
Let me start out by saying that I’m not sure I wholly understand what is happening, but according to what I’ve been learning, troubles are afoot regarding the potential for installing cell towers where they may become obstructions and eyesores, thereby affecting property values. Worse still, the addition of more cell towers may not in fact assure service in the many “dead” spots here in the islands, the ostensible reason for installing them.
At present, telecommunications regulations for San Juan County are contained within a subarea plan within the county-wide Comprehensive Plan. I remember when that plan was created and developed over a decade ago. Many conscientious people worked hard on it for a long time, evaluating each ordinance from multiple perspectives. It was created to serve the best interests of the islands and their inhabitants. The present telecommunications ordinance can only be changed once a year, and then only with significant public input and careful study.
Such a process does not allow for hasty decisions because the implications of changing a regulation involve consideration of the far-ranging consequences of any change before revising ordinances, giving permits, etc.
Some of the County Commissioners and the Cell Phone Task Force (with input from T-Mobile) reportedly find the present regulations somewhat obstructive and cumbersome. By taking control of the telecommunications ordinances through the UDC, the County could make changes in the ordinance as often as three times a year. There is some concern that changes could be made without adequate study of the towers’ impact on property owners and without the extensive public review presently required for changing the current plan. According to my reading of a draft ordinance put forth by the Cell Phone Task Force Committee last March, cell phone towers could be installed within 50 feet of a property line (yours, maybe?) without a permit or public hearing.
The issue is far more confusing and complex than I’ve presented here. But we all need to get it straight before any unpleasant surprises pop up in our back yards. I urge people with any kind of question or concern about this matter to attend the meeting Friday January 15.
Hope to see you there.
My understanding is that cell phone companies are interested only in co-location, not in new big towers. It’s like small repeaters, put on existing poles, disguised as flagpoles, etc. It’s time to bring the islands into the 21th century for safety’s sake.
My understanding is that cell phone companies are interested only in co-location, not in new big towers. It’s like small repeaters, put on existing poles, disguised as flagpoles, etc. It’s time to bring the islands into the 21th century for safety’s sake.
My understanding is that cell phone companies are interested only in co-location, not in new big towers. It’s like small repeaters, put on existing poles, disguised as flagpoles, etc. It’s time to bring the islands into the 21th century for safety’s sake.