Reed Passes Cell Tower Bill: Onward to the Senate

Last night Connecticut House of Representative overwhelmingly passed a Cell Tower bill introduced by Rep. Lonnie Reed (D-Branford) that is designed to give towns more time and more opportunities for input when it comes to determining where cell towers should go.

HB 6250, An Act Concerning the Siting Council, extends what's called the pre-application process, from 60 days to 90 days, giving towns more time to participate before siting decisions are made.  The bill also requires that towns be given more precise information and maps, describing why a cell tower is needed in the area and it invites the towns to play more of a role in making their own siting suggestions.

Cell towers in Connecticut are approved by the CT Siting Council, an independent board of nine members. The Council holds proceedings and hearings to evaluate, modify and approve or reject tower applications.
 
Rep. Reed points out that most of the easy tower sites, such as industrial locations, have been taken and that new cell towers are impacting neighborhoods, scenic treasures and other municipal assets, causing distress among many people living in the affected areas.

Rep. Reed said, "More and more towers are being erected to keep up with the exploding demand for smart phones and tablet type devices that have fast become the communications tools of choice for consumers and businesses.

Unfortunately, that means growing conflicts between those who demand improved connectivity and many angry residents who long for the days of tower-free skylines.  This bill's goal is to balance those competing demands in a reasonable and responsible way and I am grateful to my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for their input and enthusiastic support."

Rep. Patricia Widlitz, of Guilford, a co-introducer of the bill, said she was delighted with its success in the House.

"I enthusiastically support Rep. Reed's efforts to improve the requirements for the siting of cell towers. This legislation will not only greatly improve our ability to influence the siting of cell towers but will also encourage the use of the least obtrusive technology. It's an important step forward for the protection of our shoreline vistas."

HB 6250 also allows the Siting Council to seek legal action should a party in the proceedings intentionally omit or misrepresent a material fact during the proceedings. This legal action can include injunction relief and a fine of up to $10,000 plus attorneys fees.

The bill also encourages the Siting Council to make every effort to avoid approving towers for sites in neighborhoods or scenic areas that are prized by the affected communities and to stay at least 250 feet away from schools and commercial child daycare centers.

Rep. Reed is in her 2nd term serving the 102nd Assembly District and serves as the House Vice-chair of the Energy and Technology Committee.

Press Release from Rep. Reed