Public Hearing on Wireless Facilities Bill Eliminating Public Input and Superseding Local Government Rights to be held March 20 in Annapolis
A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, for Senate Bill 1188. As written, the bill represents a coordinated, national effort by the telecommunications industry to prevent public input and limit local government authority over the installation of small cell equipment and poles in the public right of way. Public testimony will be heard by the Finance Committee starting at 1 p.m. in the Miller Senate Office Building at 11 Bladen Street in Annapolis.
Small cell wireless antennas and equipment are used by the telecommunications industry to increase network coverage and capacity. While the City of Gaithersburg recognizes that enhancements are necessary as our society becomes more and more reliant on electronic devices, it is critically important that City residents and local government officials play an integral part in making decisions about the location and design of these small cell facilities.
The City of Gaithersburg strongly opposes this legislation and is working to protect its resident’s voices regarding installation decisions to ensure that they work for the community, protect our neighborhoods and allow local government oversight. If passed, this Bill would allow for the installation of poles up to 50 feet in height and equipment boxes up to 28 cubic feet throughout the City, including residential neighborhoods.
The City urges residents to contact committee members to express opposition. A letter template is provided here. Senate Bill 1188 is sponsored by Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton, Chair of the Finance Committee. Its House companion, House Bill 1767, is sponsored by Delegate Dereck Davis, Chair of the Economic Matters Committee. Residents are also encouraged to contact District 17 Senator Cheryl Kagan and Delegates Kumar Barve, James Gilchrist and Andrew Platt.
In its deliberations on the issue of small cell facilities, Gaithersburg has been seeking to balance advances in technology and federal regulations with the municipal needs, neighborhood integrity and concerns of City residents.
After a series of public meetings and its own public hearings, the Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council adopted ordinance and regulation amendments related to small cell facilities in December 2017. The amendments better define how telecommunications facilities can be installed in rights of way, clarify the zoning and installation requirements, and create special rules allowing staff approvals for certain installations that have limited impact. State legislation as proposed by Senate Bill 1188 would supersede these ordinances and regulations.
For more information please contact Legislative Affairs Manager Monica Marquina at 240-805-1090, monica.marquina@gaithersburgmd.gov .
Read it on the Gaithersburg City website at http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/news/press-releases/2018/03/20180306-public-hearing-on-wireless-facilities-bill-eliminating-public-input-and-superseding-local
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