Recently, the Otisfield Planning Board granted U.S. Cellular a permit to build a 180-foot cell tower in the middle of one of Otisfield’s most heavily populated residential neighborhoods.
If that decision is not reversed by the Appeals Board, then the market value of the residences in the immediate area of the proposed tower will undoubtedly plummet.
Not only will the monetary impact of those homeowners be devastating, but the emotional impact of living under the shadow of such a monstrosity will also take its toll.
The tower will do permanent harm to the scenic and visual character of the community.
Corporations have for too long been given priority over the rights of the people. Those Otisfield homeowners built or purchased their homes long before U.S. Cellular ever conceived of building a tower in their neighborhood. Now, their lives are going to be financially and emotionally ravaged so that a large corporation can profit. That is just wrong.
The price to the Otisfield community in general and the homeowners directly impacted is too high.
I strongly urge the Appeals Board to overturn the Planning Board’s decision and kill the tower, now. They should do what is best for the people of Otisfield, not U.S. Cellular.
The best interests of the people should come before those of a giant corporation.
Michael Everding, Otisfield
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