Marking the end of six years of deliberations and debate, the Edgartown planning board voted 4 to 1 to approve the installation of a permanent cell tower on Chappaquiddick at a packed meeting Tuesday night.
Verizon Wireless wants to raise its communication tower in Vineyard Haven from 77 to about 130 feet out of concern for trees that could block sightlines.
Edgartown selectmen agreed Monday to form a new committee to study options for mobile phone service on Chappaquiddick amid concern from residents that a cell tower will be built on the small, rural island.
A long-awaited project to bring improved cell service to the Katama part of Edgartown moves forward this week, following the completion of a lease with telecommunications company AT&T.
The company will pay the town $28,000 per year for the use of an abandoned silo at Katama Farm.
The Edgartown selectmen have reconsidered granting a liquor license to Edgartown Books after learning they did not have the proper approval from other town boards. Last week, the board approved an all-alcohol license for the cafe behind the bookstore, but on Monday the decision was put on hold.
Improved cell phone service will becoming to West Tisbury after the town zoning board of appeals approved a special permit for a tower off New Lane, near Tisbury Great Pond.
The board approved a 66 foot monopine for Verizon at their monthly meeting last Thursday, board chairman Tucker Hubbell said. The monopine will have fiberglass branches and a pole painted brown to resemble a pine tree.
