THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2025 Page 5 REQUESTS | FROM Page 1 the project manager for the McKinley redevelopment project, said the tower, which he called a redundant, resilient tower, will be built on a 19-foot by 19-foot foundation in a well fi ve feet deep. He stressed it is not a 5G cell tower but rather a radio tower using microwaves to communicate. Jay Mazzola, the director of operations for the RECC, explained that dispatch for emergency calls works fi ne now with fiber. However, according to Mazzola, if the fi ber goes down, and apparently it has been damaged many times over the past few years, the microwave system takes over seamlessly. “It’s crucial that we have microwave backup,” said Mazzola. “It protects everyone out on the street.” The height allows radio communication to reach the water tower in Winthrop and the Veterans Home in Chelsea. Revere Fire Chief James Cullin and Police Chief Maria LaVita both shared their support for the tower, which will allow fi rst responders to continue communicating with portable radios while they are inside of buildings and when the fi - ber system is compromised. “On a great day, we’re not using the tower,” said LaVita. “But it’s a hugely important tool for us going into buildings with portable radios. If our communication goes down, it is going to be a lot uglier than that tower.” Ward 4 Councillor Paul Argenzio, who represents the McKinley School neighborhood, said residents and offi - cials would like the city to look at other options. Argenzio said the McKinley redevelopment project was introduced two years ago, but the radio tower was proposed two weeks ago. And Argenzio said there are a lot of outstanding questions. “The visual impact on this old established neighborhood will be immense,” he told the board. Argenzio said neighbors had concerns about property values, availability of home loans, insurance costs and possible health eff ects that may or may not exist. He said there should be studies that show that the tower poses no health risks. He also suggested getting a second opinion from another company. “Everyone is excited about the project; we would just like to pump the brakes on this to see if we can get some answers,” said Argenzio. “It’s important to note that it’s microwaves, not 5G,” said ZBA Chairman Michael Tucker, adding that that puts the fear factor to rest. Skwierawski said that unlike 5G antennas that operate consistently, the radio tower will only be in use when the fi ber system goes down. A Prospect Avenue resident said he believes the city has existing infrastructure to make the system work without the tower. He said his son’s Spiderman walkie-talkie can pick up signals from Boston when they are on Reservoir Road. “There’s Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welo welcome the loyal customers of tino Insur nce is p yal customers of ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU: Our Staff are, Emma Davidson, Jeimy Sanchez, Josephine Leone, Marie D’Amore, Rocco Longo, Z’andre Lopez, Anthony DiPierro, Darius Goudreau, Laurette Murphy, Danielle Goudreau and Tina Davidson. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM co no reason to put this so close to our kids and teachers,” he added. Argenzio filed a motion to have the project team meet with the City Council to answer questions and discuss alternative options.
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