To the editor:
We are writing to express why we are voting no on the proposed bylaw regulating wireless facilities at the Lenox Special Town meeting this Thursday, December 8.
After attending the Planning Board meetings where the proposed bylaws were discussed and hearing objections and concerns from Lenox citizens, we have come to the conclusion that the proposed bylaws will not sufficiently protect our community from potential health hazards.
Lenox needs better coverage, but it does not have to be at the cost of our health. The proposed bylaw proposes a 250-foot setback, and allows 150 feet with a waiver. The town’s Planning Board is following the outdated FCC recommendations for cell tower setbacks, which are based on data from 1997. Sadly, the FCC has been captured by the telecom industry. Other communities are looking at more recent science and are making other decisions.
The State of New Hampshire is considering House Bill 1644, which would establish a setback of 1,640 feet for cellular antennas. Closer by, Stockbridge and Copake, N.Y. have established much further setbacks of over 1,000 feet.
We are old enough to remember the tobacco industry’s adamant insistence that smoking was not harmful to your health. And we remember how long it took, and how many deaths it took, to finally challenge that industry’s blatant self-interest. At least with cigarette smoking, individuals could make a personal decision not to smoke. That choice is not available to us with the placement of cell towers.
Ani and Bill Grosser
Lenox
