GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Greenfield Zoning Board of Appeals, ZBA, has voted in favor of the 170 foot Viridi Wireless, AT&T cell tower to be constructed on Fairview Street. The Board cited the tower’s engineered hinge point as a fulfillment of the intention behind the city’s fall zone policies, providing the city with enough protection in the unlikely event the tower falls. 

The fall zone variance was just one part of the Board’s work. The applicant was also seeking an approval for a special permit for the height of the pole, which was approved unanimously as well after discussion by members that concluded that reducing the height would drastically reduce efficacy potentially resulting in future additional poles needed.

With approval on the height, it was noted that project are allowed 10% additional height beyond the number approved, however the applicant stated this pole was not designed to take on additional height in the future, although some other towers have been built with that capability.

Over the past several months the applicant, Viridi Wireless, and a group of community members opposing the project, have engaged in discussion and presentations with the ZBA. The applicant demonstrated their need for a new tower due to gaps in service, why this specific site was selected over other potential sites, and the engineering behind the tower that contributes to safety, especially in the case of damage to the tower. The opposition brought in experts to discuss health ramifications of cell towers and challenged the applicant’s claims to a coverage gap.

In the final deliberations by the Board on Wednesday, June 18th, Chair David Singer facilitated discussion around the city’s Zoning Ordinance on Wireless Communications Facilities, state and federal law. It was determined that the project could move forward under all regulations.