Letter to the Editor for Nov. 18, 2019

Published 9:53 am Monday, November 18, 2019

Urging planners to reject proposed cell tower

Editor’s note: The author submitted this to the Baker City Planning Commission.

I am writing to plead with you. Do not let an unsightly 70-foot tower of any sort be erected in the middle of an established residential neighborhood, no matter that a small square of land has been mistakenly left as industrial? I make an assumption that not one of you would wish this in your neighborhood. I realize what a tough, and oftentimes thankless, job you have. So thank you for your service.

I discovered how challenging your decisions can be at the meeting of Nov. 13th. I’m sure I was not the only attendee who felt Verizon’s heavyweight legal mouthpiece came across as arrogant and threatening, even though he was nice enough to offer us a “choice” of two proposed designs.

Upon reading new information provided by Verizon – “1. Verizon is proposing a new monopine (not even a word) stealth design that will significantly reduce the visual impact of the facility.” The second part of this sentence, beginning with “that will” is completely unsubstantiated and, in my opinion, an absurd statement. I am also confused by Verizon’s proposed height request? Are they now asking for a change from a 70-foot to a 75-foot tower? That is how it appears to me when reading the new information they have submitted “the monotone branches will extend five (5) feet above the tower”— you see my confusion?

The permit request from Verizon makes great bedtime reading because it will quickly put you to sleep. I did glean enough to know that a lot of smoke is being blown — you know where. Things like need, capacity, spectrums, this is the “only” place to build it, apocalyptic failures … I saw no mention of money? Our population varies little. We didn’t need it yesterday and we don’t need it today.

It is the best interest of Baker City that you deny this application based on the established and tested 50-foot limit. Work quickly — revise all ordinances, re-zone and close all loopholes so we are not faced with this again. Peace.

Michael J. Meyer

Baker City

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