A narrow but major loss for Acton
A group of under 80 neighbors were able to thwart the latest proposal to gain cell coverage using the usual appeals to fear.
One vote. That’s all it took to wipe out this year’s thoughtful and well-planned attempt to bring Acton in line with the modern world around us. A group of under 80 neighbors were able to thwart the latest proposal to gain cell coverage using the usual appeals to fear. (It didn’t help that the vote was held at 10:40 p.m. on a workday.) Like those before them, they ignored the public safety issues that can result from lack of cell coverage, affecting our elderly, our children, and those who do business in our town.
Each individual who spoke out against Article 35 had a cellphone in their back pocket or in their hand while they stood at the microphone. I ask the obstructionists, do you ever travel out of Acton? Maybe catch a movie in Burlington, go to the mall in Natick, visit friends and work in Boston? Do you go to school in Cambridge, have dinner in Sudbury, or buy your groceries in Maynard? It is difficult to accept that you believe the unverified science you espouse when you spend so much time in these other communities. It is also difficult to accept that suddenly, after numerous “yes” votes on articles put forth by our hardworking committees and town officers, that you suddenly do not trust them to make intelligent decisions relating to cell tower placement after amending the bylaws.
For over 10 years now we have circumvented every attempt to provide a basic service that most other communities established without reservation long ago. It is unconscionable.
If you are a registered voter in Acton, I urge you to get involved, vote, and please attend important votes at Town Meeting, where truly one vote could have made the difference that Tuesday night.
Christine A. Helsel
Old Pickard Road
