Introduction During deliberations regarding residential wireless zoning, statements were made suggesting that federal law or FCC requirements compelled Montgomery County to adopt certain zoning changes. The legal authorities cited below indicate that local governments retain zoning discretion in several key areas and are not automatically subject to financial liability for declining to adopt more permissive deployment frameworks. The analysis below is drawn from a report prepared by Montgomery County Clear Vistas. A link to the […]
Continue readingTag Archives: ZTA19-07
Residents Testify in Unanimous Opposition to Cell Tower ZTA 22-01 at a Truncated Daytime Public Hearing
Archived Advocacy Notice (September 2022) This post was originally published during the 2022 review of ZTA 19-07. It reflects community calls for engagement during the public comment period. It is preserved here as part of the legislative history surrounding zoning amendments related to wireless infrastructure in Montgomery County. Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 22-01, Antenna on Existing Structure – Use StandardsTuesday, September 13, 2022, 1:30 – 2:30pm ZTA 22-01 lets carriers turn utility and light poles […]
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 readingFor Immediate Release. Statement by Rick Meyer, Executive Director, Montgomery County Coalition for the Control of Cell Towers (MC4T) –Whoops, PHED Committee Chair Goofs Again; ZTA 19-07 Needs Big Band-Aid
For Immediate Release Statement (February 2022): The following statement was issued by Rick Meyer of the Montgomery County Coalition for the Control of Cell Towers (MC4T.org) regarding ZTA-19-07 and committee deliberations at the time. Whoops, PHED Committee Chair Goofs Again; ZTA 19-07 Needs Big Band-Aid Councilmember Hans Reimer is fully admitting that he and the wireless industry lobbyists, who last year essentially spoon-fed the Montgomery County Council zoning language for ZTA 19-07, made a Titanic-sized […]
Continue readingJan. 18th, 2022 Testimony for Montgomery County Council Hearings on Resolutions to Implement Rules and Fees Related to ZTA 19-07
Jan. 18th , 2022 Testimony for Montgomery County Council Hearings on Resolutions to Implement Rules and Fees Related to ZTA 19-07 Colleen Cordes, Takoma Park. Please reject both proposals to implement ZTA 19-07. Instead, immediately rescind ZTA 19-07. Don’t implement it while the FCC is in the midst of responding to its new court mandate to come up with a well-reasoned explanation for whatever exposure limits for wireless radiation it endorses. This should require the […]
Continue readingAn Unsupported Rationale: The So-Called Legal Case for Montgomery County’s ZTA 19-07 Falls Apart
July 12, 2021 Peter L. Kahn, J.D., Ph.D. Montgomery County Resident Summary The County Council appears poised to adopt ZTA 19-07 in part because some members believe that doing so is legally required. That is simply not the case. Give the Community a Voice: Support A Stakeholder Advisory Group. E-MAIL THE COUNTY COUNCIL TODAY IN LESS THAN A MINUTE! One basis for believing this is the FCC’s Small Cell Orders of 2018, which proposes a […]
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
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: 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 […]
Continue readingResearch Indicates that Trees are Harmed by Radio Frequency (RF) Radiation: Tell MoCo Leaders to Protect Trees in Our Neighborhoods!
Research Overview (2021) This post discusses research examining potential environmental effects of radiofrequency (RF) exposure on trees and plant systems. It reflects findings and interpretations available at the time of publication. Environmental impact considerations related to wireless infrastructure are part of broader regulatory discussions at local, federal, and international levels. RF Radiation Likely Harms Trees — Take Action to Protect Trees Now! The dense network of small-cell towers on poles in front of our homes […]
Continue readingZTA 19-07 Community Advocacy (June 2021)
Archived Advocacy Notice (June 2021) This post was originally published during the June 2021 review of ZTA 19-07. It reflects community calls for engagement during the public comment period. It is preserved here as part of the legislative history surrounding zoning amendments related to wireless infrastructure in Montgomery County. 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, if […]
Continue reading