Town of Washington Information on Proposed Cell Tower and Process
Q.1 Is Verizon proposing to build a cell tower in our town?
A. Yes, Verizon has notified the Town that they plan to submit an application to build a telecommunications facility at 97 Hart Hollow Road.
Q.2. Where can I learn more about this proposal?
A. You can view the proposal at the Town Hall during regular business hours or on our Town website at
washingtonvt.org.
Q.3. How do we learn more about coverage improvements and visual impacts of the proposed cell tower?
A. Verizon has not yet provided information beyond the initial notice of intent to file an application which you can view at the Town Hall or website at washingtonvt.org.
Q.4. Will there be a chance to learn more?
A. Yes, we will hold a public informational meeting on Tuesday, FEBRUARY 11, 2025 at the Washington Village School at 6:00pm (snow date is 2/18/25). A representative from Verizon will be present to answer questions and provide details about coverage, visual impacts, etc.
Q.5. Will we be able to share our opinion regarding the proposed cell tower?
A. Yes, this meeting will be an opportunity for the public to share opinions regarding the proposal. Depending on the number of people who attend, we may have to limit the amount of time each person speaks so it will be helpful to come prepared with your questions and opinions.
Q.6. Can the Selectboard/Planning Commission prevent cell towers from being built in our Town?
A. No, the legislature created a pathway for telecommunications providers to seek approval for cell towers from the Public Utility Commission (PUC), which bypasses Town zoning and ordnances. This process is under 30 V.S.A.§ 248a. Neither selectboards or planning commissions have the authority to prevent them.
Q. 7. Where can I view the Town Plan and Local Zoning By-laws?
A. These documents, along with Verizon’s proposal, can be found on the Town Hall and at our website at washingtonvt.org.
Q.8. What is the Public Utility Commission (PUC)?
A. The PUC is a quasi-judicial board that regulates electric power companies, telephone service providers, cable television providers, pipeline gas companies and some water utilities. The board conducts evidentiary hearings and issues decisions.
Q.9. Where does the Selectboard stand on the proposed cell tower?
A. At the Dec. 11th Selectboard meeting, select board members unanimously voted to oppose this project. The primary concern centers on the significant visual impact the tower will have on the village. We believe its height (approx. 70-80 feet above tree level) will drastically alter the aesthetic character of our historic village. We believe the tower’s prominence along our main road through the village center will be highly visible to several hundred residents.
Q.10. How can we really tell how visible the tower will be?
A. A contractor will conduct a Balloon Float during the first full week in January 2025. This process involves floating a big red helium balloon to the height of the proposed tower and pictures are taken at various locations in Town to demonstrate the visual impact. These photos will be displayed at the Public Meeting (see #4). We will post notice of the day of the float on the Town website and FB page when we get it. This process is weather dependent so we can’t pinpoint the exact date right now.
Q.11. What will the PUC do since the Selectboard opposes the proposal?
A. In addition to considering factors such as “undue adverse effects” on aesthetics and floodways and undue adverse impacts on wildlife or the natural environment, the PUC must also give “substantial deference” to the Town Plan and comments and recommendations from the Selectboard/Planning Commission unless there is “good cause” to find otherwise.
Q.12. What does “substantial deference” mean?
A. Substantial deference means to give a significant and meaningful weight to the Town Plan and the recommendation of the Selectboard/Planning Commission and the Central VT Regional Planning Commission regarding the Town and Regional Plans.
Q.13. I am very concerned about the potential health risks from cell towers and/or the impact they could have on my property value. What can be done about these issues?
A. The PUC does not consider concerns or arguments based on health impacts or claims that cell towers will decrease property values. These issues are not relevant to the PUC’s decision-making process. Federal law prevents considerations of health impacts.
Q. 14. What’s next?
A. The Public Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, FEBRUARY 11, 2025 with a snow date of Tuesday February 18, 2025 at the Washington Village School at 6:00pm. Everyone is encouraged to attend to learn more and to share support/concerns for the project. The community may also send comments to members of the Selectboard/Planning Commission or to the Town Clerk or drop them off at the Town Hall. All of this information will be considered by the Selectboard/Planning Commission.
After the public meeting Verizon will submit their application to the PUC. Once submitted there is a 21-day comment period when the Selectboard/Planning Commission will let the PUC know that we oppose the project. The PUC will utilize their process to make a final decision.
Please periodically check the Town website for developments/news about the project and/or contact anyone below.
Contact information
Sheila Duranleau, Selectboard Chair: Sheila05675@yahoo.com
AJ Galfetti, Selectboard: ajgalfetti@aol.com
Josh Bell, Selectboard: tiffmullen32@gmail.com
Gary Winders, Zoning Administrator: gwinders@charter.net
Joe Bressette, Planning Commission Chair: vtnutbolt@charter.net
Lois Deberville, Town Clerk: washingtontownclerk@gmail.com
