THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2020 Page 11 City Council slams small cell antenna applications C By Barbara Taormina ity Councillors did not hide their anger with Network Building + Consulting and ExteNet, which fl ooded this week’s City Council meeting with 25 applications for permits to install small cell antennas throughout the city. The council was forced to hold 25 separate public hearings, one for each of the applications, which were referred to the Zoning Sub-Committee for review. Councillors are now working on a small cell antenna ordinance, but the applications already fi led will not be subject to the regulations that will be outlined in the new ordinance. “I think it’s a disgrace that these companies have submitted 25 applications for special permits during a pandemic,” said Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna. “Nothing like taking advantage of a community during a major crisis.” Residents and city councillors made their views about small cell antennas clear last December when Cellco Partnership’s applications to install the equipment on utility poles on Kimball and Crystal Avenues and North Shore Road were denied. Concerns were raised about health risks, aesthetics and the negative effect on property values during a crowded zoning meeting. “The citizens of Revere are speaking, and they don’t want this, some of it for reasons based on health or based on the fact they’re unsightly,” said City Council President Patrick Keefe last December. “We’re not breaking the law by voting on this. If they want to take me to court, feel free, that’s their right.” The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) limits a community’s authority over cell towers and antennas and prohibits municipalities from adopting regulations that interfere with the telecommunications industry’s ability to provide wireless service. Local decisions on installations cannot be based on health concerns about radio frequency emissions when the proposed equipment complies with the commission’s radio frequency rules. The 25 new applications are for 4G antennas which can be upgraded to the faster 5G antennas. Councillor-at-Large Jessica Giannino said she had issues with the 5G antennas and questions about the 4G equipFormer Revere High graduates step up for Class of 2020 By Joanne McKenna I n March, the world of the Revere Seniors of the Class of 2020 came to a screeching halt. In an instant their prom, class day, award ceremonies, Mr. Revere High School contest, barbecue – and now maybe graduation – were all cancelled. Very soon after, however, former class offi cers and students from the Classes of 2019, 2018 and 2017 took the initiative and started a Go Fund Me Page to raise money for the 2020 Class. Nearly $6,000 was raised from donors in and outside of Revere. With the money raised, 480 seniors will receive a Congratulations to the Class of 2020 lawn sign with their name on it, paid for by these selfl ess and amazing former Revere High students. In all my 20 years as a class ment. “We still don’t know what the detriment will be to the neighborhood,” she said. Giannino also said that because of FCC rules, there is not much the council can do about the antennas. Councillor Arthur Guinasso said he had fielded a slew of calls from his constituents who are concerned about the eight antennas proposed for locations in Ward 3. “What is the size of the equipment? How high up on the pole will it be? Will they obstruct views? Will there be lights or signs? Who will this equipment be serving and how many antennas are planned for Revere?” asked Guinasso. “Those are some of the questions I’ll be asking at the Zoning Sub-Committee.” Prior to wading through 25 public hearings, Larry Washington, an attorney for ExteNet, told councillors the company supports the city’s small cell antenna ordinance. “We submitted some changes and we would still like to see some revisions, but we endorse the ordinance,” said Washington. But that endorsement did little to appease Councillor-atLarge Anthony Zambuto, chairman of the Zoning Sub-Committee, and Ward 6 Councillor Richard Serino, both of whom criticized ExteNet’s timing. “I just want to state that you knew this [ordinance] was coming,” said Zambuto. “I am not happy, and I think this is a disgrace.” Zambuto said that by the time the applications make it through the Zoning Committee, the ordinance will be in place. “You knew about the ordinance; you knew changes were going to be happening,” said Serino. “I think you’re trying to take advantage of a gateway city.” Serino also said that there seems to be a high concentration of the antennas in residential neighborhoods, and there is not enough available data to determine if they pose a health risk. “We’re not happy with this; it’s kind of being shoved down our throats,” said Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky. “I’m tired of our city starting to look like a porcupine city with all these things up all over the place. The neighbors are not happy.” Keefe advised representatives from ExteNet to be prepared to respond to the council’s comments and questions at the Zoning Sub-Committee meeting and to also bring a model of an antenna and a map showing where they hope to install the equipment. “Pink Bag” recycling program returns M ayor Brian Arrigo announced this week that Simple Recycling has relaunched the “pink bag” recycling program in Revere. Residents can fi ll the bags with unwanted clothing, jewelry, shoes, toys, blankets, drapes, pillows and assorted small household items. Residents can simply place the bag next to their recycling bin during regular recycling weeks, and a Simple Recycling vehicle will pick it up and leave a replacement bag for future use. JOANNE MCKENNA Ward 1 Councillor advisor at Revere High School, I have never seen the generosity of past classes get involved with a current graduating class. It is with great pride and honor that I nominate the following former Revere High students for the Hero of Revere Award, for giving a bit of joy to the Class of Thank you to all the 2020 in this very diffi cult time. Gianni Hill, President, 2017 Megan Nguyen, President, 2018 Jenna Wells, President, 2019 Henry Batista, Vice President, 2018 Brandon Nguyen, Vice President, 2019 Cindy Murphy, Secretary, 2017 Taylor Giuff re-Catalano, Secretary, 2018 James O’Donnell, Treasurer, 2018 Cristian Acuna, Treasurer, 2019 Samantha Woodman, 2017 Natalie Maggioli, 2018 419 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149 • 617-387-1110 www.everettbank.com Member FDIC Member DIF RIGHT BY YOU first responders, healthcare workers, and all other essential workers who are working hard to keep our community safe and healthy.
12 Publizr Home