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MASHPEE – The Mashpee Planning Board recently voted for discussions on a controversial cell tower proposal to continue next month.
Dozens of people gathered for a hearing on the proposed 150-foot tower on Red Brook Road and presentations were made by radio frequency engineers and a lawyer representing Blue Sky Towers II, LLC, the project’s developer.
Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile would be the two carriers who would initially use the tower, along with the town’s emergency management system equipment. There would also be room for two other carriers at the facility.
The push for a tower is to better serve residents in the southern portion of Mashpee, where service is very limited.
Proponents of the tower, including Elizabeth Thompson, a lawyer representing Blue Sky Towers, say it is needed to ensure public safety.
“This is not only a matter of convenience for this community, this is a matter of critical emergency life-saving operations,” Thompson said.
“This is the proposal. This is the only feasible proposal and this is the answer, and it is our duty to bring service to this area of South Mashpee.”
Mashpee Police Captain Thomas Rose, who has been with the department for nearly two decades, said South Mashpee has notoriously awful cell service and radio communications.
Rose said the lack of service hindered rescue response during the July storm which brought tornadoes to Cape Cod.
“I had zero cell service,” Rose said.
“From a public safety standpoint, I can tell you it is imperative that we get some kind of cell tower in that area because it is vital to public safety communications.”
Opponents are afraid the tower might lower property values in the area. They are also questioning why the proposed location is that far north in the town when the goal is to provide more service for the south.
Planning Board discussion will resume October 2.
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