The Public is Opposed to ZTA 19-07

Message from Montgomery County Coalition for the Control of Cell Towers

A big shout out with huge appreciation to the 25 residents who testified in opposition to ZTA 19-07 on Tuesday evening, November 19 and to the many others who were in the audience at the packed Council Chamber.

Thanks to your participation, the Council, yet again, saw and heard a very powerful and evocative demonstration that residents remain strongly against efforts to make it faster easier and cheaper for Big Wireless to install cell poles in close proximity to homes.  (You can watch the entire public hearing here.)

Clearly, the Council sponsors of this ZTA 19-07 (Hans Reimer, Craig Rice and Gabe Albornoz) are struggling to enlist any public support for this bad bill. Of the only 8 speakers in favor:

• 4 are wireless industry lobbyists and execs
• 1 is former CEO of macro tower operating company
• 1 is senior County employee (speaking as a "resident") who helps manage County's wireless radio communications
• 1 is former FCC attorney specializing in telecommunications law  

The evening  began with very important comments delivered by Special Assistant to County Executive (CE) Marc Elrich. The CE does NOT support ZTA 19-07. Rather, Mr. Elrich is convening a "Working Group" (comprised of technical experts, key residents, industry representatives and County staff) to immediately address many of the solutions that MC4T has been advocating for the past three years, including improving:

1. Administrative effectiveness and assure that public processes are fair and transparent including fixing the processes of and public participation in the Tower Committee
2. Permitting and inspectionof cell poles and towers Department of Permitting Services (DPS)
3. Interplay (coordination) between the Tower Committee, DPS and Office of Zoning and Administrative hearings (OZAH).
4. Timely and transparent notice
5. Fees that cover costs

The CE cautioned against "hasty decisions" (such as 19-07) as result of two very significant and pending court cases where Montgomery County is suing the FCC. (We hope to receive more details about the Working Group, soon.)

Also, representatives speaking on behalf of City of Takoma Park, Town of Somerset, Garrett Park protested that ZTA 19-07 ignored needs and concerns of Montgomery County's smaller municipalities and that changes to conditional use processes were unfair and suppressed input and participation of residents.

Because of the Council calendar, there will now be at least two months before possible Council vote.

We expect ZTA 19-07 to be discussed at PHED Committee meeting chaired by Hans Reimer (no public testimony) on Tuesday, January 23, 2020. It is VERY IMPORTANT that the two other PHED Committee members (Will Jawando and Andrew Friedson) hear from residents about our opposition. Both are new to the Council and PHED Committee.

We will continue to keep you closely updated.

In the meantime, best wishes for a safe and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Montgomery County Coalition for the Control of Cell Towers

WWW.MC4T.ORG