Even if you have not listened to the NH Secrets episode about the proposed cell phone tower on historic Cone Mountain in Thornton, NH, you have undoubtedly heard tales of small towns embattled by armies of lawyers, consultants, engineers and others over a proposal to site a cell tower on a cherished spot.
Most people respond to such a proposal with the usual frustrated sense of powerlessness, resigned to the belief that there is nothing that can be done to halt the seemingly inevitable process.
But did you know that a town has the right to hire a land-use attorney and other engineers and consultants - paid for by the applicant?
Did you know that the town can require that the applicant cover the cost of maps, alternative site plans and other studies to verify - or refute - claims made by the applicant?
These are only some of the rights outlined in the Telecommunications Act that covers the rights and responsibilities of both the companies seeking to site a tower and the communities who will be affected.
