Norwell Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposed Cell Tower Location

A proposed cell tower on Grove Street has sparked significant debate among Norwell residents and officials, with concerns about health, safety, and environmental impacts taking center stage. During the January 8, 2025, Select Board meeting, the discussion drew input from citizens and town officials alike.

The proposed site for the tower is on town-owned water department land. While intended to address gaps in cellular coverage and improve emergency communication, the project has faced pushback from nearby residents worried about its proximity to homes and potential health risks.

“I’m concerned about exposure to low-level radio frequency radiation,” said resident Kathleen McPherson. “I don’t want my children, my family, and my neighbors to be guinea pigs here. I’m imploring this board to please help us find another option.”

“There are no studies that suggest it [radio frequency radiation] doesn’t contaminate the water supply,” said Town Attorney Bob Galvin. “But generally speaking, the belief is that the radiation that’s released in the frequencies goes on a horizontal level and not down.”

The tower’s proposed height is 130 feet, and its placement aims to minimize visual impact and preserve wetlands in the area.

“Sometimes we have to make decisions that are the best of a bad situation,” said Jason Brown, Chair of the Select Board. He noted that if the town blocks the project, private landowners could allow a tower to be built even closer to residential areas.

“What sort of monitoring are we planning for this tower installation?” asked Doug McPherson, raising the issue of potential environmental impacts on the town’s water supply.

Officials reiterated that the town would enforce FCC regulations, which require cellular providers to operate within strict safety limits. “We can do a little homework ahead of time to look at the land again,” said Town Administrator Darlene Sullivan. “Even if it’s 100, 200 more feet [away from homes], something that we can gain.”

“There is a significant gap in cell phone coverage in that area,” said Board member Andrew Reardon. “That’s the other side of it, that you can’t call 911 without the coverage.”

The town plans to review its options and potentially modify the tower’s placement to balance the need for improved infrastructure with community concerns. Residents are encouraged to attend future meetings to stay informed and provide input as the process unfolds.