As the only residential abutters of the property in West Chesterfield which is the proposed site of a cell tower, we would like to comment on our concerns regarding AT&T’s application and presentation (Gazette, Aug. 6, Cell tower proposal generates mixed comment”).
This cell tower as proposed is in direct conflict with the purpose of the zoning bylaws, and therefore should not be allowed a special permit. This cell tower as it is proposed will not provide better service for many parts of town which are currently under serviced, and it will not improve upon safety in an area large enough within the town to justify the installation.
It will not protect, conserve or increase our property values. However, the landowner of the cell site will profit.
It will not retain and improve the pleasant physical aspects of the community as stated in Chesterfield’s zoning bylaws. Those bylaws are in place to “promote the general welfare of the Town of Chesterfield, to protect the health and safety of its inhabitants, to encourage the most appropriate use of land within the Town, to retain and improve the pleasant physical aspects of the community, to reduce the hazard from fire by regulating the location and use of buildings and the open spaces around them, and to protect, conserve and increase the value of property.”
We doubt that anybody believes that a metal tower with numerous antennae on top, placed on a concrete pad, surrounded by a chain link fence in a clearing on top of a previously treed portion of rural farmland, visible from numerous locations in a rural, historic district is an “improvement to the physical aspects of the community.”
We abutters and residents near the proposed site deserve to see corrections and documentation of all requirements by AT&T before it brings the proposal to the town for a vote on Sept. 3.
Judith Lyons
West Chesterfield