Politics & Government
Hillside Cemetery Cell Tower Saga Comes to Conclusion Tonight
Residents concerns over health effects and property values to be addressed among other issues
Dating back to T-Mobile and residents in the areas around Hillside Cemetery have been at odds over a proposed cell tower. The Zoning Board of Adjustment will conclude the debate tonight, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall meeting room.
Residents have displayed worry over the health effects, aesthetics, property values, zoning codes, water runoff, the tower's proposed location (a cemetery) and the lack of a need for the 125 foot pole, given supposed adequate reception. T-Mobile has responded to these worries with a team of experts and engineers, but each meeting regarding the tower has brought out more residents in opposition.
Resistance to the Hillside Cemetery cell tower matches the resistance to a cell tower – also proposed by T-Mobile – at the Willow Grove Swim Club. Similarly to the Hillside Cemetery tower proposal, the Willow Grove tower proposal has instigated a coalition of residents (http://www.fightthetoweronline.com/).
Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The last meeting, held a week ago on Sept. 29, featured arguments not only about the consequences of the tower, but about arguing itself. T-Mobile attorney Frank Ferraro questioned the expertise of multiple residents presenting Powerpoints. In addition, Ferraro asked the Zoning Board to limit the amount of individual time residents could speak.
Following formalities and recaps, tonight's meeting will feature more comments from community members. However, as Zoning Board Chair Kenneth Anderson explained last week, speakers will be limited to ten minutes in their presentations to the board. Mr. Ferraro will also have a chance to conclude his arguments to the board, although residents were wary of the time he would have to speak.
Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Finally, according to Anderson, the board will hold a discussion in front of the public and come to their conclusion regarding the cell tower proposal.
Patch will run an update on the meeting's result as soon as possible, but the only way to get the news immediately is to show up and hear the debate.
