The Town of Merrimack, NH is currently considering the installation of a 150-foot tall cell phone tower in a residential neighborhood. The proposed site is located at 121 Joppa Road just north of Patten Road. The town will be holding a public hearing on the proposal on June 25, 2014 at 7pm in the Matthew Thornton Room of the Town Hall.

There are a number of residential homes in close proximity to the proposed location. The 150-foot tall tower is incompatible with the neighborhood aesthetics. Although it is intended to resemble a tree, it is clearly not one as it will sit high above the current tree line. This will undoubtedly be an eyesore to the surrounding neighbors . These are the same neighbors who purchased a home in a nice rural area. The last thing they ever thought they would be dealing with is a 150' commercial structure going up in their backyard. These homeowners should have a say as to whether a large structure like this gets installed in their neighborhood. Cell phone towers have no place in residential neighborhoods and their installation should be strictly restricted to commercial areas.

The proposed cell phone tower will certainly have a negative effect on home prices in the surrounding area. Studies such as the Bond and Hue Proximate Impact Study concluded close proximity to a cell tower reduced price by 15% on average. The Bond and Wang Transaction-Based Market Study reflected price reductions between 20.7% and 21%.

Lastly, and most importantly, is the health risk this may pose to the homeowners and their young families in the surrounding area. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 prevents States and local governments from considering the potential adverse health impacts of RF radiation from cell towers when reviewing zoning applications. However, there are numerous studies that show continued exposure to RF radiation from cell towers can cause adverse health impacts such as cancer and leukemia, among others. It has also been stated that children are the most susceptible to these dangers. My children, and my neighbors children, should not be exposed to this potential hazard while they should be safe at home.

Please join me in asking the Town of Merrimack's Zoning Board of Adjustment to deny the application to put a cell tower at 121 Joppa Road, as well as any future request for a cell tower located in a residential area.