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June 10, 2009 – Senate President Louis Patrick Hill today called upon all persons interested in the construction of Communication Towers to attend public hearings to be held by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources this week on all three islands. The meetings will be held Wednesday on St. Thomas at the DPNR Conference Room, Thursday on St. John at the Legislative Conference Room, and Friday on St. Croix at the Florence Williams Library. All meetings begin at 6:00 p.m.
Hill stated that due to the controversial nature of the issue, he is especially urging concerned residents to take a critical look at the government’s proposed regulations which will determine the placement of towers throughout the entire Virgin Islands. Hill pointed out that residents will have an opportunity to voice reasonable solutions if regulations, as promulgated by DPNR, are deemed unacceptable.
Hill noted he has proposed legislation that shall spell out guidelines regarding the issuance of permits and the proximity of towers within residential areas. He pointed out that since the time the Federal government passed legislation mandating the implementation of 911 communication facilities, he has made it his business to ensure that the interests of property owners and residents are protected from undue encroachment of the towers.
Hill further noted the Department currently sends notices to property owners located within 500 feet of a proposed tower site. However, the Senate President recommended that residents who have a personal interest in the matter, but fail to receive a notice, should contact the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.