Towering presence

The phrase “not in my back yard” rings true for me. I’m shouting “not in my front yard, not in my community.”

American Tower Corp. of Worcester, Mass. has submitted a building permit application to the town of Whiting Planning Board. The permit is for the installation of a shelter and a 330-foot telecommunications tower. MariTEL Marine Communications Systems of Gulfport, Miss., Washington D.C., and New York, N.Y., plans to market Digital Selective Calling and Response services as part of its Global Marine Distress and Safety System for commercial vessels and registered boats over 24 feet with VHF marine radios.

MariTEL plans to provide this service by erecting a 330-foot tower on top of Yellow Birch Mountain in Whiting. The mountain is 325 feet above sea level. Given the tower height, the Federal Aviation Administration requires lighting, white during the day and red at night. This will ensure air traffic safety. But who will ensure our families’ safety from the hazardouectronic radition?

This tower will have a direct impact on many homeowners and visitors. The beauty of our natural landscape and magnificent horizon will be destroyed. This tower will affect almost everyone within a 20-mile radius, visually, emotionally and aesthetically. It will be a deterrent to anyone interested or involved in wilderness sports and recreation.

Past planning boards have denied local applicants proposals for structures over 30 feet. Past practice should set up a clear precedent. Should an out-of-state company, MariTEL, have the right to make a profit at our community’s expense?

I encourage everyone to consider the quality of life in rural coastal communities. What does this tower mean to you, your friends, your family, our visitors from away? Will a tower of this height truly benefit our community?

Please voice your opinion. Call or write to members of the Whiting Planning Board: Reinald Nielson, Dick Bradley, David Burns, Dick Elsmore, Paul Gaddis and George Townsend. Or consider attending the next Selectmen/Planning Board meeting on Dec. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Whiting Community Building. Cindy C. Chagnon Whiting