Commissioners are considering a pause on the project

The Martin County Commission is trying to pause the controversial construction of a 5G cell tower in a neighborhood.

Following the decision at last Tuesday’s commission meeting, many residents of the Parkwood community believe everything is on the right track.

Several people shared a package with the board listing the reasons why they believe the structure does not belong near their home.

WPTV first told you about the transmission tower last monthwhen several neighbors shared their concerns about the massive structure.

Neighbor Matthew Schallmo is concerned about the consequences of the 5G cell tower.

“There are some studies that I gave to the commissioners about 5G health issues and 5G issues as it relates to home values,” Schallmo said.

Commissioner Ed Ciampi said the cell tower permit was not brought before the commission because it is a state issue.

“I don’t know if we have the authority, and I would ask our employees to talk to the contractor and tell them that they may have to stop work on the pole,” Ciampi said.

Many feel like their voices have been heard since Ciampi tried to pause the project.

“They weren’t aware of it. They wanted to get to the bottom of this,” Schallmo said. “They don’t really think this is justified, so we had the feeling that we were being heard.”

The board instructed staff to return with an agenda item on why construction is taking place in the area. As of Sunday, the issue is no longer on their agenda package for Tuesday, November 19.

“Our hope is that there will be no cell towers in neighborhoods,” Schallmo said. “That they’re going to be on major thoroughfares or main streets and they’re going to be outside of communities,” Schallmo said.

Scripps content only 2024