Easthampton, Massachusetts: city council opposes 165-foot Verizon tower on the Southampton town line

The Daily Hampshire Gazette reports that Easthampton's City Council voted unanimously on 24 June against a 165-foot Verizon tower proposed just over the city line in neighbouring Southampton, two adjoining towns in western Massachusetts in the northeastern US. The resolution cites property values, neighbourhood character and quality-of-life impacts, though an amendment struck language on long-term RF emission effects after a councillor said the health evidence was insufficient. Campaigner Cecelia Doucette of Massachusetts for Safe Technology raised health concerns, pointing to the 2022 Pittsfield cell tower case now before the state's highest court. The applicant also seeks a waiver from Southampton's 100-foot height bylaw.

"The proposed tower would be located immediately adjacent to established residential neighborhoods in Easthampton, placing a large industrial telecommunications structure within direct view of numerous homes and families"

— Easthampton City Council resolution, as quoted by the Daily Hampshire Gazette

"It really is not just a Southampton matter, it’s affecting your Easthampton neighbors as well so it’s a very impactful decision you’re making for two different communities"

— Biz Holley, Easthampton resident, at the Southampton Planning Board meeting

"Once you put a cell tower or a utility smart meter on your house, you’ve lost your right to choose"

— Cecelia Doucette, founder of Massachusetts for Safe Technology

"At this time, there’s no strong evidence that exposure to RF [radiofrequency] waves from cell phone towers causes any noticeable health effects. However, this does not mean that the RF waves from cell phone towers have been proven to be absolutely safe. Most expert organizations agree that more research is needed to help clarify this, especially for any possible long-term effects"

— American Cancer Society, as quoted by the Daily Hampshire Gazette

📡 Easthampton, Massachusetts: city council opposes 165-foot Verizon tower on the Southampton town line

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