Wireless Communication Bylaw Amendment
Proposed changes to local siting authority and radiation monitoring protocols create tension between resident demands for oversight and risks of federal preemption.
The Wireless Communication Bylaw Amendment arose from the Planning Board's March 2026 adoption of Article 35, which proposed zoning changes affecting wireless siting authority and monitoring. The Select Board then explored a replacement draft in April 2026 to preserve local oversight amid resident concerns and federal preemption risks.
The Wireless Communication Bylaw Amendment originated in the Planning Board's review of 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant articles, where members considered changes to local authority over wireless facility siting and radiation monitoring.
On March 16, 2026, the Planning Board adopted Article 35 as printed in the warrant after noting its polarizing nature and concerns about community misinformation, setting up the proposal for further review.
This action triggered discussion at the Select Board meeting on April 21, 2026, where a replacement draft was presented to seek middle ground by retaining a wireless overlay district and specific monitoring protocols rather than the Planning Board's zoning changes.
Resident opposition expressed at the Select Board meeting highlighted risks to local autonomy and the need to preserve RF radiation monitoring amid ongoing studies of health effects, creating tension with federal preemption considerations.
The issue now centers on whether to advance the original Article 35 or the alternative draft ahead of Town Meeting, with the Select Board positioned to explore compromises that balance oversight demands against preemption risks.
Vote on Article 35 or replacement draft at 2026 Annual Town Meeting
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