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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowNow that 5G towers are being installed in the suburbs, it’s interesting there are concerns about aesthetics and that “wireless providers have been willing to work with communities.” [Aesthetics of 5G towers spark concern in suburbs, Aug. 2.] It has been a different experience in the urban areas.
Imagine returning from work one day to find a 5G tower pole has been erected in the right-of-way at the front (not the corner) of your property. That is what happened to me in Fountain Square. Thanks to our state legislators, local government entities cannot deny permits to 5G wireless providers. And because these tower poles are installed in the rights-of-way, there is no requirement to notify adjacent property owners. Installation by surprise.
These tower poles are different from your typical utility poles. Their height and circumference are greater, and there are equipment boxes, meters and conduits installed at eye level. Who wants to sit on their front porch and have that ugliness in their view?
Then try to resolve the situation with the wireless providers. (In my case, Verizon.) They will say they want to be good neighbors but will move forward as planned. In reality, the wireless providers have carte blanche to locate the towers where they deem best with no regard to what works for the neighborhood and how it impacts property values.
I get that there are benefits to having 5G. But it should not come at others’ expense.
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Debra Boyer
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