YOUR COMMENTS

Some commenters are correct: The Board members should do their homework in all cases, but especially when there are timeframes imposed. Obstructionists can and will have their say, but I have seen too many Boards go too far out of their way to accomodate the hate.
The real bottom line is that after the cell tower panic of a few years ago, people just don't see them anymore. The towers that stand out now are the ones that were camoflaged as trees! Surely, when possible, existing facilities and structures should be upgraded or added to, but new facilities are a must.
Personally, I find power and telephone poles and wires more of an eyesore
(and a safety hazard when located at the road edge) than a single cell tower, but no-one seems to talk about them any more.
- Brian Murphy, Plymouth, NH

150 days? Fall Zone? Public Comment?Seems like 100 days too many for Bedford, isn't it the Cell Tower Capital of New England?
- RayDon, Bedford

Several years ago, while I was a member of the Planning Board, Durham hired a top-notch consultant from California who guided us through the development of a strict ordinance regarding wireless services. The ordinance is comprehensive and even requires bonding to ensure dismantling. Fall zones for towers are specified as is the view impact. The Telecommunications Act did usurp local control yet the 150 day time frame does seem reasonable. Planning Boards can always schedule additional meetings to meet the deadline.
Municipalities involved with wireless facilities may want to contact Durham's Planner Jim Campbell.
- Bill, Durham

150 days is plenty or vote to allow another agency to take over their town's issues....
- Rick, Bedford

A flip side of this issue is that local, volunteer, planning and zoning boards need to find a way of attracting people educated in this endeavor to give of their time or to be on-retainer for the eventuality of an application. In most instances, the local zoning board members think their job is to stymie an application long enough that the applicant will just go away. The wireless, broadband technology is here to stay; therefore, zoning boards need to improve themselves for the good of the general public.
- Gary L. Kerr, Chichester

This sounds like it is for putting antennas on EXISTING structures only. Plenty of time!

It's about time some of these local planning boards have some oversight so they can't drag this on forever. Some table voting on items just to stall, others have absolutely no sense of urgency.

Meet once a month as a volunteer board? Ever hear of being prepared for a meeting in advance so when things are discussed you are already educated about it?
- JAC, Manchester

Just another example of how the elite in DC are totally disconnected with how mainstream america actually works. What...you guys didnt know that the majority of land use boards across this country are volunter and only meet one a month? Get a grip people.
- John, Manchester