Residents Asked to Submit Letters Opposing Small Cell Preemption Bill
Dear Residents:
As we have reported in prior issues of the Crier, the Village Board has been closely monitoring developments at the county, state and federal levels regarding the deployment of wireless telecommunication facilities, commonly referred to as small cell towers. At its regular meeting in January, the Village Board adopted an emergency ordinance to establish regulatory framework for the review and deployment of these facilities in the Village. By adopting a local ordinance, we were able to construct a a regulatory process that protects the interests of our community and takes into account our community's needs and concerns.
This Thursday, February 21 beginning at 1:00 p.m., the Maryland Legislature's House Economic Matters Committee will hold public hearings on bills pertaining to small cellular infrastructure. The Maryland Municipal League (MML) is encouraging municipalities to write Dereck Davis, Chair of the committee and lead sponsor of the bill, to oppose House Bill 654. HB 654 is the wireless industry’s effort to preempt local governments on a myriad of issues pertaining to the deployment of wireless telecommunications facilities including right-of-way access, zoning authority, fees and process.
MML has prepared and circulated a draft letter available at the below link, which is addressed to Chairman Davis expressing opposition to this bill. The Village Board will be submitting a similar version of this letter. The draft letter is formatted to allow residents to modify and email it directly to Chairman Davis at
dereck.davis@house.state.md.us.
Link to letter template for residents' use:
https://www.chevychasevillagemd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2819/Small_Cell_Letter_template
