Summary
The meeting centered around the proposal for the construction of a new cell phone tower on Braman Hill in Leelanau Township. Community members expressed both strong support and opposition to the initiative. Key discussions included the necessity of better cell coverage for emergency services, the potential economic benefits, as well as aesthetic concerns about the tower's placement.Public Comments
- **Robert H. Shirkey**, a year-round resident, expressed support for the tower citing a critical need for reliable cell service for emergencies and general communication, especially following AT&T's plan to discontinue landline service.-
Linda Coleman Shirkey highlighted personal experiences of lacking cell service and stressed the need for mobile connectivity for emergencies, urging the board to find alternative solutions if Braman Hill is rejected.
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Doug Whitley did not support the tower at Braman Hill but suggested revisiting the previously considered Kitchen Road site which he deemed superior, and proposed looking for better options.
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Christine Kay shared her long-term experience as a seasonal resident, relaying an emergency situation that highlighted the dangers of inadequate cell service. She called for an additional cell tower to serve residents and visitors alike.
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Barry Nemon emphasized the necessity of a reliable communication solution, citing aging demographics and reliance on functional communication for safety.
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Doug Whitley's essay argued against the opposition's concerns about aesthetics, urging that access to cell service is crucial for the community's safety and connectivity.
The public hearing revealed that nearly all speakers opposed the Braman Hill site, voicing various concerns primarily regarding aesthetics and impact on the landscape.
Infrastructure Projects
A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the proposal for the cell phone tower at Braman Hill. Verizon Wireless is seeking to lease space for construction due to identified service gaps, with potential benefits including enhanced coverage for multiple wireless providers. The site is considered advantageous due to its elevation and accessibility compared to previous proposals.Ultimately, a consensus was not reached, with supporters highlighting public safety needs while detractors raised issues about visual impact, particularly the use of public park land.
Other Business
Discussion included previous considerations for tower sites and community suggestions for alternative solutions. The need for a structured approach to site selection before inviting proposals was highlighted to improve efficiencies.Action Items
- The Township Board is tasked with considering community feedback and balancing the need for improved cell service against aesthetic concerns. - A recommendation was made for establishing a Citizens Advisory Committee to explore alternative sites for a communications tower and facilitate discussions with Verizon and other providers regarding community needs.In conclusion, the meeting underscored a critical need for enhanced mobile connectivity in Leelanau Township balanced with broader community concerns regarding aesthetics and the use of public land for such infrastructure.