UPDATE: The Nahant Planning Board is urgently assessing the safety of a proposed upgrade to the Crown Castle cell tower, with expert testimony provided by RF Engineer Michael Lawton on Tuesday night. This vital discussion centers around community concerns regarding potential electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, which has raised “potential alarm” among residents, according to Board member Rob Steinberg.
The current tower, located in a residential neighborhood behind the police station, has sparked fears about health risks, including headaches and other symptoms linked to EMF exposure. Lawton acknowledged that if residents are exposed, there is indeed a risk. He noted that some towns have commissioned reports to measure projected exposure levels based on the number of antennas and frequencies involved.
“If this renovation is completed and new carriers are added, it will absolutely change the result of the tests,” Lawton stated, emphasizing the importance of understanding the implications of the upgrade. Currently, the tower supports three carriers: T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon.
Lawton explained that T-Mobile has two levels on the tower, one of which is vacant, while the top level is set for proposed changes. He stressed that AT&T will need to conduct an exposure study to assess the cumulative impact of all three carriers if they receive the special permit for the upgrade.
After an hour of in-depth discussion about the permit’s details, Board members proposed holding a public meeting to gather community input. However, no final decision or vote was reached during this meeting.
When asked about potential detriments, Lawton stated,
“If this came before me, I wouldn’t have any concerns with it.”
He agreed with Steinberg that a public hearing could help address community fears and foster open dialogue.
This issue is particularly pressing for Nahant residents, as the tower’s proposed upgrades could significantly affect their health and safety. As discussions continue, the Planning Board is expected to prioritize transparency and public engagement in its decision-making process.
Stay tuned for updates as the Nahant Planning Board navigates these critical safety discussions and considers the next steps in addressing community concerns.
