Opposition vs. Saugus cell tower grows

SAUGUS – In the wake of last week’s T-Mobile cell tower site walk-through, Hurd Avenue resident Talisa Rafferty has taken to the internet to help voice her opposition to the project.Rafferty started an online petition at thepetitionsite.com in the hopes of generating at least 100 signatures to take to the next Appeals Board meeting. As of Monday night, 24 people have signed it since it launched on July 12.”I’ve never been the kind of person to get involved in things, but this is something that really concerns me,” said Rafferty. “The Board of Appeals are really not taking the people into consideration. We have been going around the neighborhood speaking with neighbors. One issue is that people did not receive notification even though letters went out. Some people got one and some didn’t.”Rafferty said she opposes the tower because she feels it would bring down home values in the area and pose a health hazard to the students at the nearby Veterans Elementary School.”As a homeowner and a real estate agent I know the impact these things have on housing values,” said Rafferty. “Also my nephew goes to the school there. The United States says there’s no reason for concern, but overseas studies saw otherwise.”Rafferty admitted that cell phone service in the area is “not that great,” but said a residential area is no place for a cell tower.At Town Hall on Monday, Town Manager Andrew Bisignani said the project is still in its early stages and any plans for the cell tower must be approved by both the Appeals Board and the Board of Selectman.”This is still in the planning stage,” said Bisignani. “If the Appeals Board wants to take into account the neighborhood concerns, they have the right to do that. There’s nothing set. If the selectmen don’t feel it’s good for the town, then don’t do it. If it’s good for the town, fine. If it’s not good, then we say goodbye. Nothing gained, nothing lost.”Bisignani said that when a request for proposal went out last year, T-Mobile came back with a proposal that was “most beneficial to the town.” This in turn led up to the public hearings that have been going on throughout the summer.The Town of Saugus could potentially see $36,000 a year from T-Mobile along with $12,000 for the Little League if the tower is built, fees Bisignani said he couldn’t ignore in light of this year’s budget deficits.”There’s compensation to be made to the town,” said Bisignani. “Why should I pass that up? It’s an opportunity to stabilize financing. We’ve had so many cuts we’re running out of money and can’t meet our obligations. Why should I let the opportunity go by? I would be remiss in my duties if I didn’t pursue it.”The Board of Appeals will next meet on Thursday, July 28 at 7 p.m.