Community Petition Regarding Proposed 130-Foot Cellular Tower on Banks Road

To: 

The Ministry of Public Works & Utilities

The Department of Physical Planning / Town Planning

Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA)

Relevant Local Government Officials

From: Concerned Residents and Property Owners of Banks Road, Eleuthera, The Bahamas

May 10th, 2026

 
FORMAL PETITION

We, the undersigned residents, homeowners, and property owners of the Banks Road community and surrounding areas, respectfully submit this petition regarding the construction and proposed operation of a cellular communications tower approximately 130 feet in height currently being erected on privately leased property along Banks Road.

While we recognize the importance of telecommunications infrastructure and improved communications services for The Bahamas, we strongly object to the manner in which this project has proceeded and request immediate governmental review and intervention before any further construction or activation occurs.

 
COMMUNITY CONCERNS

1. Lack of Public Notice and Consultation
Residents and neighboring property owners were not formally notified of the proposed tower development despite its substantial visual, environmental, and neighborhood impact.

The surrounding community includes high-value residential properties, many valued in the millions of dollars, whose owners were denied any meaningful opportunity to review, comment upon, or object to the project prior to construction.

The Bahamas’ Electronic Communications Tower Rules require consultation and regulatory approval processes before communications towers are erected. 

 
2. Impact on Property Values and Community Character
The proposed 130-foot tower materially alters the visual character and aesthetic integrity of the Banks Road residential community.

Residents are deeply concerned that:

Property values may decline;
The scenic and residential nature of the area will be permanently impacted;
Future buyers may be deterred by the proximity of industrial telecommunications infrastructure within a luxury residential district.
 
3. Transparency and Regulatory Compliance
We respectfully request confirmation that:

All required planning approvals have been obtained;
Proper environmental and structural assessments were completed;
Public consultation requirements were satisfied;
Necessary approvals from URCA and relevant planning authorities were issued prior to construction.
URCA and the Ministry of Public Works are identified as approval authorities for telecommunications towers in The Bahamas. 

 
4. Safety and Environmental Concerns
Residents request independent review of:

Structural safety during hurricanes and severe weather;
Setback distances from the Banks Road
Setback distances from neighboring homes;
Noise impacts from generators and maintenance equipment;
Long-term environmental and visual impacts on the community.
 
REQUEST FOR GOVERNMENT ACTION

Accordingly, we respectfully request that the Government of The Bahamas and all relevant regulatory agencies:

Review of all approvals, permits, and authorizations related to this cellular tower project;
Suspend further construction and/or activation pending a full public review process;
Conduct a formal community consultation with affected residents and property owners;
Require full disclosure of all environmental, structural, zoning, and planning approvals;
Consider relocation of the tower to a more appropriate commercial or non-residential area;
Ensure future telecommunications infrastructure projects include mandatory notice to neighboring property owners before approvals are granted.
 
COMMUNITY POSITION
This petition is not intended to oppose technological advancement or telecommunications services generally.

Rather, it seeks:

Transparency,
Proper public consultation,
Protection of residential communities,
Fair planning practices, and
Compliance with Bahamian laws and regulations.

We respectfully ask the Government and regulators to act in the best interests of affected residents and ensure that due process is followed.