04/17/2019 PLANNING BOARD Minutes

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Karl LeBelznik,Tracy Road, inquired about the depth into the ground the cell tower would travel and possible impacts to ground water and the aquifer. Additionally,being located on town owned land, Mr. LeBelznik inquired about the responsibility for removal once technology improved,making the tower obsolete. The Chair responded that it would likely be a Special Permit condition that the applicant provide regular updates. Mr. Cummings added that Mr. Rowley had referenced an abandonment and discontinument of service. Ms. Thompson stated that the lease would require Blue Sky to remove the tower and the Town would be able to charge Blue Sky removal costs, in case of abandonment. Mr. Rowley added that the Planning Board could require a bond. Regarding ground water, Mr. Rowley stated that groundwater was likely deeper than the foundation and design consideration would likely be submitted to the Building Inspector at the appropriate time. Mr. Moreno stated that the foundation typically would be below grade, 20-25 feet square and 5-6 feet deep, adding that water resource findings were studied by the Cape Cod Commission on page 11 of their report. Teresa Ronhock, Sunset Circle, expressed concern about financial hardship in the neighborhood, referencing a study completed by the Electromagnetic Health Organization, showing impacts to property values in a survey of 1,000 people. The study noted that 94% of those surveyed stated a cell tower would impact what they would pay for a property and 88% of those surveyed stated they would not purchase a property near a cell tower. The study further discussed reductions in value of 21%, after the installation of a cell tower. Ms. Ronhock stated that, while attending hearings at the Cape Cod Commission,they had requested abutter reports, deemed to be unnecessary. As a result, the homeowners acquired their own professional abutters report,noting that there would be an impact to 166 properties at this location. The study was based on the Appraisals Journal and reporting from the National Realtor's Association. Ms. Ronhock referenced another study produced in the New York Times. Ms. Ronhock added that in addition to the financial hardship,the cell tower site would also add undue stress to the families of the homeowners. Ms. Ronhock referenced the report from Isotope that noted the project proponent had not distinctly identified a coverage gap, it was identified as a coverage problem. The FCC required that a coverage gap be identified,rather than a coverage problem. In addition,the report noted that the proposed site was located at the edge of the intended service area and the author recommended a site closer to the south or closer in the service area to be more beneficial. Ms. Ronhock asked that the Planning Board not allow the Special Permit for the cell tower at this location due to the hardship it would present to neighbors and to uphold the 1996 vote to designate areas where cell towers could be placed in Mashpee. The Chair asked that the cited reports be submitted to the public record. Ms. Thompson asked to be recognized to address misstatements and the Chair did not,but recommended she read the written material. Mike Ronhock, Sunset Circle,referenced the Isotope report which, on page 7, identified a suitable site on the southern edge of coverage at the Water Department land and did not state that the proposed site was the only site or the preferred site. In addition, it stated that Popponesset would not experience substantial improved service and would likely require future expansion to fill the coverage gap. Mr. Ronhock stated that the job should be figured out right,the first time. The report also indicated that Verizon had provided no data as to whether the proposed site was 12