Heights council approves of 5G precautions

SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS — The Spring Lake Heights council approved of an ordinance in mid-June amending Chapter 16 of the borough’s municipal bylaws to be introduced as 5G and “small wireless facilities regulations.”

Following instances of wireless service carriers attempting to erect pole-shaped nodes on the Jersey Shore, Attorney Dennis Collins assured the council the borough is taking “every precaution” to prepare for efforts to head westward.

“This is a really cool ordinance that provides power to local municipalities,” Collins said. “There’s been a big push along the shore for a 5G network.”

Verizon sued Monmouth County in September 2023 after active pushback received from residents who voiced concerns against proposed construction of cell towers in their towns. Other places in The Coast Star’s coverage area involved with 5G node construction include Lavalette and Point Pleasant Beach, where 5G poles have begun to pop up since last month.

Collins told the council the ordinance will provide “authority” over where such nodes would be placed in Spring Lake Heights, if at all. He said the legislation will cover unnecessary ground to consent to things that have happened previously, such as right-of-way approval and building new towers instead of placing such nodes on a JC&L pole.

“It’s working out pretty well, there’s been some litigation over it,” Collins said. “But, we’re not going to get pulled into that. This is a really good thing for the borderline towns that will get that eventually.”

The ordinance itself has yet to be introduced and will do so at a later date. A motion to amend the borough code was moved by Councilman Leonard Capristo and seconded by Councilwoman Sara King.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Spring Lake Heights mayor and council will take place on Monday, July 15 starting at 7 p.m. in borough hall. Agendas are available online at springlakehts.com. All meetings are open to the public.

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