ZBA Approves 185-Foot Monopole Despite Code, Concerns

Statement from Martha Iacolucci, Co-Chair, Town of Milton Democrats:

“The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-1 Thursday evening (5/15/25) to allow the Village to construct a 185 foot monopole next to the John Street water tower. Any structure over 100 feet is not allowed in the current code, so a special permit was necessary. The lone dissenter on the board stated that he believed the village application did not fully address why the extended height was needed. More information was needed, such as cell service maps from the carriers showing current service and projected service at different heights, as well as service maps showing cell service from different towers in the area. 

Unfortunately, this project was handled poorly from the start. The engineer mentioned that this has been under discussion for three years, but only presented to the board in the last few months, and to the public in the last month.  The public should have been involved from the start. This project will affect many residents, not just the ones who live on or near John Street. Perhaps with more people involved there would have been more options that were actually investigated and discussed.

Thanks to a couple of brave volunteers, who found out about this by chance, for going door to door to let nearby residents know what was happening. And thank you to those who spoke up at the ZBA hearings. Raising questions about the monopole does not mean you are against public safety. It’s not easy to be mocked and criticized in public for your beliefs. It is not obstruction to voice your opinion.”