By Jason Klaiber
Staff Writer
A much-debated movement in the cellular industry has touched down in Fayetteville.
At its regular board meeting on June 11, the Village of Fayetteville adopted a local law concerning the deployment of “small cell” wireless telecommunications facilities.
Last fall the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued directives pushing for local municipalities to adopt 5G data infrastructure and accompanying small cell antenna arrays.
5G is the latest evolution of cellular network technology to provide broadband access.
“There are certain limitations that the FCC establishes, which basically eliminate the village’s capacity to prohibit the 5G technology,” Village Attorney Ted Spencer said. “The village does, however, have some input and can set some limits to the deployment process.”
According to the village board, the installation of small cell facilities could result in positive changes, such as heightened data speed and equipment that will be smaller in size than the usual poles lining the streets.
However, the board acknowledged that the new technology could pose some concerns such as potential threats to “the public health, safety and welfare.”
Concerns have been raised about the amount of radiation that may be associated with 5G technology, exposing people to greater amounts than previous generations of the cellular technology.
The board also acknowledged that there are conflicting reports on the extent to which there needs to be concern about the impact of 5G on anyone’s health, but decided it was important to acknowledge these concerns at this time.
The presence of the equipment itself—pedestals, meters and power generators included—could also create blights to the aesthetic character of the village if not camouflaged adequately.
If required for proper installation, the 5G deployment could also lead to the trimming of tree branches or the removal of roots.
In finding the right approach to deploying the technology, the village’s board members consulted lawyers, engineers, the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM), City of Syracuse officials and others.
“We think we’ve safeguarded the residents the best we can,” Mayor Mark Olson said. “We’re just taking a proactive approach trying to get this done and trying to do the right thing.”
Lessees will construct communication facilities in accordance with the village’s design guidelines, which can be adjusted by the trustees as new technologies or issues emerge without amending the local law.
The village has discussed 5G technology deployment since early February and held two public hearings on the subject prior to adopting the legislation.
The village board’s next board meeting will take place on Monday, June 24.
