Petition Asks Hamilton Planning Board To Reject Cell Tower Site

HAMILTON, MA – An application has been filed with the Hamilton Planning Board for a cell phone tower in the back of the Department of Public Works yard behind town hall, but an online petition is asking the board to reject the location.

Mary Green, who began the petition and lives next door to the proposed site, said she wants better cell service in town, but is concerned the 109-foot tower would change the look of the Historic District. The Bay Road location is close to the district, not technically in it, but a tower would be in the sight lines.

"It’s one of the best drives in New England, and to put something like this right in the middle of it just seems so short sighted," said Green.

Hamilton Town Manager Michael Lombardo said two sites were identified in the request for proposal, in the back of the DPW yard, and the public safety building next door. A Planning Board meeting on July 11, at 7 p.m., will continue the public hearing regarding the special permit for the cell tower.

"We’re really concerned that it’s going to change the historic district in a way where we won’t ever get it to go back the way it looks," said Green.

The petition asks the Planning Board to pay special consideration to this section of the town's cell tower bylaw: "The Planning Board will pay particular attention to the visibility of the proposed structure from Public Ways, from Historic Districts, from Popular Scenic Areas, and views from Residential Areas."

Click here to read the full petition.

Image via Mary Green, photo of the balloon test, which shows the height of the cell tower