Overview Montgomery County has recently introduced two technology-driven public safety initiatives: the Parker security robot, deployed in 2025 as a pilot program in the Silver Spring Town Square garage, and the Drone as First Responder (DFR) program operated by Montgomery County Police, which launched in November 2023. These programs raise governance questions regarding transparency, data collection, public oversight, and the long-term expansion of digital surveillance infrastructure. Update (2026): The Parker security robot deployed in the […]
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Cell Tower Application Alert: T Mobile small cells strand mounts coming to Takoma Park
This is just a small sampling of the recent cell tower applications submitted. The following applications have been submitted for Takoma Park: NEW Strand Mounted Antenna Application for corner of Hudson Ave & Flower Ave, Takoma Park https://montgomerycountytfcg.s3.amazonaws.com/Applications/MC2023042144.pdf (link no longer working on county website), but we found this application document: https://montgomerycountytfcg.s3.amazonaws.com/Applications/MC2023042144+Application+and+Report.pdf NEW Strand Mounted Antenna Application for corner Baltimore Ave & Takoma Ave, Takoma Park https://montgomerycountytfcg.s3.amazonaws.com/Applications/MC2023042145.pdf (link no longer working on county website), but […]
Continue readingBREAKING: 9 Groups + Mayor Sign Letter to @MoCoCouncilMD Calling for 1- Council to Follow MD Law, 2- Independent Investigation of Planning Board
This post is preserved as part of the public record and historical documentation of community engagement at that time. For broader regulatory and governance context, see: MC4T.org
Continue readingRacial Equity Social Justice Impact Statement Based Largely on Industry-Funded Report
The Council’s own staff, in its Racial Equity and Social Justice impact statement on ZTA 22-01, did not find that 22-01 would have a positive net impact on racial equity or social justice in the County. And that was after relying on a “report” that was “generously” supported by T-Mobile. At the same time, they noted that “if the reduced set back requirements for small cell towers authorized under ZTA 22-01 results in negative health […]
Continue readingReflections on the FCC and the Telecommunications Act
This post is preserved as part of the public record and historical documentation of community engagement at that time. For broader regulatory and governance context, see: Council needs to stop reciting pro-wireless bias narratives that rubber-stamp and cheerlead the interests of telecom and their so-called demonstrations. What is preempted is an actual moratorium that’s specific to wireless –– for which Montgomery County is NOT GUILTY! What the County’s attorneys continue to advise Councilmembers cannot be squared […]
Continue readingThrive Montgomery 2050 accelerates deployment of 5G –– Tell the Council to Hit Pause –– and Add Equity
This post is preserved as part of the public record and historical documentation of community engagement at that time. For broader regulatory and governance context, see: We are sharing this August 16th article and Action Alert by Montgomery Countryside Alliance (mocoalliance.org) Thrive 2050: What it Says, What it Will Do, and Why We Have to Hit Pause OF NOTE related to the proliferation of close-proximity small cells from that article, please find this linked PDF: […]
Continue readingTakoma Park City Council Sends Letter Opposing the Passage of ZTA 19-07
The City Council has sent a letter to the Montgomery County Council opposing the passage of Zoning Text Amendment 19-07 (Telecommunications Towers – Limited Use) as currently drafted. “The City of Takoma Park wants every resident of Montgomery County to have equitable access to affordable broadband internet. However, everyone should have a voice in the planning process. This ZTA, as currently drafted, would cut municipalities and residents out of the planning and siting process for […]
Continue readingMark Your Calendar: Webinar Information Session: Cell Towers Coming to Residential Neighborhoods in Montgomery County Rick Meyer Presents on Montgomery County’s Broken Process for the Review and Oversight of Cell Towers and What You Need to Know About the 5G Cell Tower ZTA 19-07
Archived Community Submission 2021 This document was originally published in 2021 during public discussions regarding small cells, zoning amendment, problems with Montgomery County processes for cell tower siting. It is preserved here as part of the public record documenting resident engagement and expert commentary during that period. Watch Now! Montgomery County’s Broken Process for Review and Oversight of Cell Towers and What You Need to Know About ZTA 19-07 with Rick Meyer of the Montgomery […]
Continue readingWhat Do “Small” Cell Towers Look Like?
Photos of “small” cell towers and other wireless transmission facilities Junkyard right outside your home Here is what a cell tower looks like to a Montgomery Co. family that got a 68′ cell tower in their front yard because of a mistake. Eleven years later it’s still there despite her and her neighbors’ attempts at seeking remedy and testifying before the Montgomery County Council. Watch Vicki Huo’s 2021 Testimony on YouTube. Watch Vicki Huo’s 2019 […]
Continue readingJANUARY 25, 2021 UPDATE HE’S BACK!! COUNCILMEMBER RIEMER RE-INTRODUCES ZTA 19-07 WHILE ANNOUNCING A “FINAL PUSH” TO PASS INDUSTRY FRIENDLY ZONING REGS IN THE MIDST OF A RAGING PANDEMIC
Archived News (2019) This post is preserved as part of the public record and historical documentation of community engagement at that time. For broader regulatory and governance context, see: January 25, 2021 UPDATE * SHARE AND DISTRIBUTE WIDELY * By Rick Meyer, Montgomery County Coalition for the Control of Cell Towers HE’S BACK!! COUNCILMEMBER RIEMER RE-INTRODUCES ZTA19-07 while announcing A “FINAL PUSH” TO PASS INDUSTRY FRIENDLY ZONING REGS IN THE MIDST OF A RAGING PANDEMIC […]
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