Voters Demand Alternative to Proposed Cell Tower in Wheelwright Park
Key Points
- Voters overwhelmingly approved a request to move the cell tower out of Wheelwright Park
- Select Board members warned of potential contract breaches and technical risks at alternative sites
- The petition passed 199-30 despite being recommended against by town boards
In a significant rebuke to a previously approved plan, Town Meeting overwhelmingly passed Article 25, a citizens petition requesting that the Select Board find an alternative location for a proposed 160-foot cell tower in Wheelwright Park. Petitioner Adam Norman argued that the park was intended for recreation and that a tower would irrevocably change
the character of the public land. Norman suggested the Recycling Transfer Facility (RTF) as a viable alternative.
Select Board member David Farra argued against the petition, noting that the project was approved in 2022 and the town is now under contract. He raised technical concerns about the RTF site, warning that drilling through the capped landfill could risk methane explosions. Whoever is jackhammering through that cap better have their life insurance paid,
Farra said. Despite these warnings and the opposition of the Advisory Committee, residents voted 199-30 in favor of the petition, signaling a strong community desire to protect the park.
Motion: To request the Select Board pursue an alternative location for the cell tower.
Vote: Passed 199-30