My husband and I moved into our retirement home in Nippenose Valley, Clinton County in 2011. We chose this location for the aesthetics of the natural and scenic surroundings. But we are losing the quality of life we presently enjoy to the powers of Verizon, money and local politics. In early November a cell tower is going to be erected about 75 feet from our rear property line.
We support the installation of a cell tower in the Valley, and have no question about the need. There is no ordinance governing communication towers in Crawford Township. We have lobbied unsuccessfully to have the local government consider enacting a provision that would place the tower in the "least Intrusive" location, or a minimum of 200 feet from our property line.
The preservation of the visual aesthetics and the rural character of this valley are extremely important to us. We do not choose to live in an urban setting where density and industry determine the landscape. Soon the view from our backyard will be changed forever.
We have spoken with the landowner, with our state representative's office, with their liaison with Verizon, and with the land acquisition engineer. We have gotten the same response from each of them. "The tower must be in this location. There is nothing you can do that will change the plan."
We find it difficult to believe that moving the tower further up the field would change the transmission signal significantly. Our anguish over this situation is indescribable. We have asked for a 200 foot setback so that our property value is not negatively affected by the tower placement.
With great frustration we watch as our little spot of the world is taken over by a commercial enterprise. We are becoming part of the family of citizens who have lost the battle against the "big guys".
Wendy McCormick
Jersey Shore
Submitted by Virtual Newsroom
