The state House of Representative passed a bill Thursday night designed to give towns more time and opportunities for input when it comes to determining where cell towers should go.
House Bill 6250, which passed by a 128-10 vote, extends the pre-application process, from 60 days to 90 days, giving towns more time to participate before Siting Council decisions are made.Â
The bill also requires that towns be given more precise information and maps, describing why a cell tower is needed in the area and it invites towns to play more of a role in making their own siting suggestions.
Cell towers in Connecticut are approved by the CT Siting Council, an independent board of nine members.  The Council holds proceedings and hearings to evaluate, modify and approve or reject tower applications.
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Rep. Lonnie Reed (D-Branford), who introduced the bill, said most of the easy tower sites, such as industrial locations, have been taken and that new cell towers are impacting neighborhoods, scenic treasures and other municipal assets, causing distress among many people living in the affected areas.
