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7
Community Issues
This section lists specific issues generated during the Public Participation Process.
1.
Height:
A determining factor in the location and design of a telecommunication
facility is the facility height and height of the ancillary antennas. From a service
standpoint, ancillary antenna height is important since signal transmission between
facilities relies on line of sight. Buildings and trees can block or weaken that signal
transmission; therefore, companies often seek approval for facilities that allow
antenna heights to be above any obstructions. From a community appearance
standpoint, height is important because it can affect facility visibility.
2.
Number of Facilities:
Based on an analysis and assuming the use of current
technology, the consultants anticipate the need for thirty‐six (36) antenna locations
to cover those areas with less desirable coverage (see
Appendix B
). With data
demand expected to continue increasing dramatically, the wireless industry may
want to see the number of facilities increase further to better serve specific areas.
To keep up with demand, technological advances may create opportunities for
companies to provide facilities in less conspicuous ways.
3.
Visibility & Aesthetics:
Many people find the typical non‐concealed
telecommunication facility to be unattractive. Based on responses received from the
May 2012 CPS, 84% of respondents agree that the
appearance of cell towers is
important
; however, 60% of respondents
agreed that a cell tower visibl from their
neighborhood was okay if they had good service
. To accommodate these additional
telecommunication facilities, 82% of respondents
supported the use of more/taller
towers in non‐residential areas in order to have fewer/shorter towers elsewhere
.
Short‐term, this method may reduce the total number of facilities by increasing the
allowable number of antenna collocations on a single facility. Additionally, placing
many antennas on a single taller telecommunication facility may reduce the overall
quantity; however, many antennas may also create undesirable visual impacts and
draw more attention than many shorter facilities. Taller facilities may not be a long‐
term solution, however, because future demand from consumers may prescribe
telecommunication facility locations closer to the user, leading to more facilities
within neighborhoods.
4.
Noise:
Some telecommunication facility compound areas include generators to
provide power or backup power in the event of a power outage. On occasion, this
type of equipment may generate substantial noise and shall comply with the Town
Noise Ordinance.
5.
Falling Hazards:
Tall telecommunication facilities with antennas mounted high on
the facility may be subject to wind, ice or other natural occurrences, which could
lead to structural failure or potential breaks. Ordinances typically address hazards
such as these through setback requirements based on the facility height, requiring
the use of breakpoint technology in facility design (design that causes the tower to
break at a predetermined point to minimize its impact when under stress), and
through a structural analysis.