Community rallies against proposed cell tower in Loyola

During a recent town meeting in Loyola, resident George Wilcox raised significant concerns regarding the potential installation of a communications tower near his home on Green Hills Circle. Wilcox, a long-time resident, expressed alarm over the town's previous commitments to avoid such installations in residential areas, citing a 2014 agreement that promised to explore alternative locations for cell towers.

Wilcox highlighted that despite these commitments, attempts to erect a 200-foot Viper tower in 2016 were ultimately rejected, aligning with both town code and state law aimed at keeping towers out of neighborhoods. He argued that the presence of a tower would not only detract from the community's aesthetic but could also lead to a decrease in property values by as much as 10%.

In his address, Wilcox emphasized the importance of finding a solution that does not compromise the neighborhood's integrity. He proposed a collaborative effort with the town to conduct a comprehensive communication study, which would assess both emergency services and cell phone coverage needs. He expressed confidence in the town's ability to achieve a high-quality communication system, urging officials to engage a professional organization for this purpose.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for board members to discuss Wilcox's proposal and address any questions, signaling a potential shift towards a more community-focused approach to communication infrastructure in Loyola.