OCEAN CITY, Md. - Neighbors in the Montego Bay community expressed their opposition for nine cell towers to be installed by a company called Crown Castle.
Holly Donovan says dozens of other neighbors feel the same way and are concerned about the potential impacts of these "node towers."
"I've called approximately 150 people myself and I've had one person that's for them," Donovan said.
Donovan says she suspects Crown Castle may have a financial motivation to put so many towers into such a small area.
"The more properties they rent out, the more rent they get and it's investment driven," Donovan said.
In a statement to WBOC today, Government Affairs Manager for Crown Castle Rich Rothrock says not only will these towers serve the summertime tourists with better cell reception, but emergency services will also benefit.
"This is important because today, 80% of 911 calls are placed from a wireless device, making reliable service more important than ever before," Rothrock said.
Mayor Rick Meehan says unfortunately the federal government has tied the town's hands on this matter.
"Right now we have prohibited them in mobile home areas. But the latest FCC ruling really takes away that authority from us. It's really put us in a difficult decision," Meehan said.
That's why neighbor Vincent Gisriel is encouraging the mayor and council to hold off on any decision while the issue continues to be discussed in court.
"I'm going to propose to the council that we delay any action, any permitting until such time as the court rules on this," Gisriel said.
As of Tuesday, no decision has been made concerning the Montego Bay community, but nine cell towers just south of that area were approved by the Ocean City mayor and council.
