As reported by Chia-Tien Nicole Chen of Our Town, Chief Technology Officer Matthew Fraser stated that the city's technology office is exploring alternative design options for the program, following strong opposition from the community regarding the original 32-foot tall Link5G towers, which have been subject to multiple federal historic preservation reviews. You can read the full article here.

Although we support the City's stated goals to expand wireless and cellular services, especially to underserved communities, we do not find that the proposed Link5G towers would serve that objective. FRIENDS has long noted that the process, as it stands, appears to privilege the private franchise holder over the needs of the neighborhoods and local communities. We have also advocated for the placement of 5G transmitters on existing infrastructure to minimize the impact on our already crowded sidewalks, and for alternative designs for the towers that are contextual and appropriate on city streets and in historic districts.

Click here for a complete overview of this issue.