Opinion: County needs smart limits on rights of way as wireless industry hopes for bonanza

Our opposition to Montgomery County’s latest telecommunications towers zoning text amendment (ZTA 19-07) is all about the future.

We are fighting for the rights of residents to have meaningful voice about future use of our shared public rights of way, and specifically want to be sure wireless corporations respect the character and safety of all residential neighborhoods.

Rights of way are inside and surround all residential neighborhoods, including the front sidewalks of apartment buildings and condos.

Public rights of way are woven into the fabric of neighborhoods and are a veritable gold mine of existing infrastructure (utility poles, streetlights, lampposts, intersection signals, etc.). Wireless companies want to install antennas, radios and equipment cabinets in various configurations on those poles...

...The ZTA for Montgomery County contains almost no requirements for concealments while allowing almost every selected pole to be made taller. Residents will be totally cut out of the process...

https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/opinion/opinion-county-needs-smart-limits-on-rights-of-way-as-wireless-industry-hopes-for-bonanza/