In a letter to Verizon, Rep. Chris Smith this week urged the telecommunications giant to “heed the genuine economic, aesthetic, environmental and health concerns of the community” and rescind its plans to install twenty 30-foot towers along the boardwalk in Belmar as the corporation’s wrongful lawsuit against the town has opened a new opportunity to halt the project.
“I write to express my strong opposition to Verizon’s plans to install imposing, unsightly 5G infrastructure along the beachfront in the Borough of Belmar in my Congressional District,” Smith wrote in his letter to Senior Vice President of Federal Government Relations Robert Fisher.
“Belmar is a booming tourist destination and is regularly named among the best beach towns in New Jersey,” Smith said.
“Not surprisingly, Belmar’s pristine beaches create substantial seasonal revenue which helps to sustain the town’s economy throughout the year,” said Smith, noting that many local community leaders and residents have reasonably argued that the towers will obstruct ocean views, devalue real estate, dissuade tourism and harm local businesses.
“Many residents have raised serious questions about the potential health ramifications of this new technology on residents and wildlife,” continued Smith. “And though long-term human health studies have yet to be completed on 5G frequencies utilized in this relatively new use of the technology, I believe it would be short-sighted to dismiss health concerns until adequate and comprehensive studies have been conducted.”
Smith’s letter comes as Verizon’s aggressive push to install the 5G towers in Belmar enters a new phase with the telecommunications corporation now turning its sights to the County of Monmouth—the lawful owner of the boardwalk property—after wrongfully suing the Borough of Belmar for access to the land.
“Why the rush? Why the aggressive legal battle against the wrong governing body?” asked Smith, noting that he has been working closely with Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone, who advised him that the County is requesting that Verizon rescind its initial plan.
“I support this rescission, as it will allow Verizon to re-examine the substantial objections raised by members of the local community and respond to the concerns of Belmar residents and those of other shore municipalities throughout the State of New Jersey,” Smith said.