It has been months since the Fishers Board of Public Works and Safety has been asked to consider the placement of 5G cell towers in local neighborhoods.  Verizon had paused its program late last year and has restarted the process in recent months.

Two proposed neighborhood tower plans were tabled by the board.  The first to be tabled was at the Lantern Overlook subdivision.  Residents speaking before the board said one proposed tower would be placed in a nature preserve.  One resident broke down into tears talking about how the tower would ruin the natural view from her home.

Mayor Scott Fadness urged Verizon to find a solution that meets the technology firm’s technical needs without impacting the Lantern Overlook homeowners.

“The current location, as proposed…from my perspective, is not suitable,” Fadness said. “It adversely impacts individual homeowners disproportionately for this neighborhood.”

The mayor says he is willing to work with Verizon for an acceptable compromise.  The city has approved most of the proposed towers, so, in the spirit of compromise, Fadness is asking  that the Lantern Overlook tower placement be reconsidered.

The board also tabled the proposed tower location in the Harrison Woods neighborhood.  Verizon is being asked to work with both Lantern Overlook and Harrison Woods HOAs and residents for a solution that works for all parties.

Several neighborhood tower location plans were approved with no public comment, with Verizon and the neighborhoods working out any tower placement issues in advance.  That includes Canyon Ridge, Cherry Hill Farms, Harrison Green and Lantern Farms.

As Mayor Fadness reminded everyone at the Tuesday morning board meeting, state and federal statutes limit what a city may consider on where 5G towers are place.