20 years ago. March 25, 2003. That was the last time the County updated its rules for reviewing cell tower applications. And the process is notoriously opaque and residents are largely excluded from participating. Thankfully, the County Executive is now proposing to revise these outdated regulations. Click here BEFORE the deadline this Friday, March 31, to urge the County Executive to propose meaningful reform in how the County reviews applications — and bring greater transparency […]
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Mark your calendar! Oct 11 (New date) Rally to Stop Cell Towers 30 Feet From Homes Meet at 11:30 am, Tuesday, Oct. 11th
UPDATED MEDIA ADVISORY: NEW DATE DUE TO WEATHER “No Cell Towers 30 Feet from Homes!” – Residents to Rally At Montgomery County Council Building Oct. 11th at 11:30 am Mark your calendar! Oct. 11th (new date) Rally to Stop Cell Towers 30 Feet From Homes ***RALLY RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER*** Check back on this webpage (https://actionnetwork.org/letters/stop-zta-22-01) for updates to our Rally plans to stop the proposed ZTA 22-01! Meet at 11:30 am, Tuesday, Oct. 11th […]
Continue readingElection Alert: Electronic touchscreen ballots divide candidate choices up via second screens not available unless clicked
A problem has already been reported with voting on the touchscreen for (some) races with multiple candidates in that the voter has to view two screens to see all of the names of candidates running for that position. When there’s a split screen, make sure to click again to see the second screen. Many of the candidates themselves are unaware of these screen issues. David Lublin of Seventh State has also alerted that the electronic ballot divides the candidates on two pages […]
Continue readingURGENT: Act Now to Give the Public a Voice in Licensing of Wireless Facilities on Poles
The County recently released a draft Pole Attachment License Agreement (PLA) that would provide authorization for companies to attach wireless facilities on or in existing or replacement County-owned streetlight poles. Because a licensee can request authorization to attach to any streetlight pole, the PLA poses significant impacts for residents and County at-large. The PLA was released on the Transmission Facilities Coordination Group (TFCG) web page with little or no public notice and only three weeks […]
Continue readingWireless Safety Standards Should Protect People and Wildlife – Take Action – Join EHT’s Campaign
U.S. safety limits for wireless radiation have not been reviewed for over 25 years. In August, a landmark federal court ruled that the FCC did not adequately review all the evidence when the FCC refused to update its 1996 wireless radiation exposure limits. The court ruling states the FCC did not respond to research indicating numerous harmful effects from long term exposures, especially for children. Furthermore the FCC was found to have “completely failed” to […]
Continue readingBreaking News & Action Alert: County Executive Calls For Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Working Group For Cell Towers Siting in Residential Areas
“My staff and I have talked with many residents and industry representatives, and we have found them to be knowledgeable and willing to help improve the process. I would like to propose that we convene a working group comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders, including industry, residents, municipalities and homeowner/tenant associations and/or non-profit organizations. Staff support would be provided by Executive and Council staff. The group would have a limited time – perhaps 75 […]
Continue readingWatch Now: PRESS BRIEFING June 28, 2021 – MoCo Residents Protest Radical ZTA 19-07
PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, JUNE 28, 11:15 AM Montgomery County Coalition to Protect Neighborhoods Montgomery County Residents Protest Radical Bill ZTA 19-07 That Impose Cell Towers Near Homes — MoCo Council Poised for Straw Vote Who: Residents, Community Groups, Advocacy Groups What: Press Conference on Resident Opposition to “Small” Cell-Tower Zoning Proposal When: Monday June 28, 2021 Why: Community groups and residents are outraged that the Montgomery County Council may move forward this week with legislation […]
Continue readingUrgent Action: Cell Towers Coming to #MoCo Homes if ZTA 19-07 passes. Please share widely
Dear Mo Co Friends and Neighbors, This is it! The Mo Co Council is set to hold a work session on ZTA 19-07 that Allows short “small” cell towers—also called wireless transmission facilities—to be placed as close as 30 feet—or less—from our homes. Our street lights can be replaced with these cell towers. Our utility poles can be replaced with these cell towers. No required notice or public hearing so long as they are 30 […]
Continue readingURGENT-OPPOSE CELL ANTENNAS IN FRONT OF OUR HOMES – Info, Flyers & Sample Letters (Updated 3/30/21)
Montgomery County Council will vote soon on ZTA 19-07. Without a public hearing or your permission, telecom carriers could install a 4G/5G wireless cell tower 30 feet from your home. With a special permit, cell towers would be allowed far closer. Added March 30, 2021. Email County Council TODAY with our Online Action Tool: actionnetwork.org/letters/stop-zta-19-07 Councilmember Hans Reimer (D/At-Large) issued a press release setting February 10, 2021 as the date he intended to revisit action […]
Continue readingAction Alert: Montgomery County Council to Vote on Cell Antennas Placed 30 Feet From Homes ZTA 19-07
ZTA 19-07 Update March 10, 2021: Re-post from Small Cells in Montgomery County. The Montgomery County Planning, Housing, and Economic Development (PHED) Committee just voted for a new ZTA 19-07 that would allow a utility pole or street light at least 30 feet from your house to be swapped out with a new pole that has antennas. 30 FEET SETBACK Cell antennas can now be placed 30 feet from our homes. ZERO PUBLIC COMMENT & HEARINGS: […]
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