WESTWOOD—5G is coming to Westwood, at least if the related ordinance passes on a second reading, set for Tuesday, Aug. 15.
5G is the fifth-generation technology standard for broadband cellular networks, which cellular phone companies began deploying worldwide in 2019, and is the planned successor to 4G networks, which provide connectivity to most current cellphones.
As CNN explains, “5G has higher bandwidth to deliver faster speeds than 4G and can thus connect more different devices, improving the quality of Internet services in crowded areas. Due to the increased bandwidth, it is expected the 5G networks will increasingly be used as general internet service providers (ISPs), competing with existing ISPs such as cable internet, and also will make possible new applications in internet-of-things (IoT) and machine-to-machine areas.”
Cellphones with 4G capability alone are not able to use the 5G networks.
Westwood’s ordinance 23-25 was introduced and passed on first reading at the regular meeting of the Mayor and Council on July 18 and will be taken up for further consideration for final passage at a regular meeting of the Mayor and Council to be held Aug. 15 at 8 p.m. “or as soon thereafter as said matter can be reached, at which time and place all persons who may be interested therein will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning same.”
The ordinance supplements the borough code to add Chapter 306 “Small Wireless Facilities in the right-of-way to regulate small cell wireless facilities within the borough rights-of-way.”
The measure gives this rationale:
- WHEREAS, the Borough of Westwood is aware that certain technological developments have made access to its public rights-of-way desirable by certain telecommunications companies for the placement of small cell wireless facilities, including but not limited to, the installation of antennas, small cells and other communication devices and associated equipment (collectively the “Small Cells”); and,
- WHEREAS, the Borough has determined that its public rights-of-way, such as they are or may be, themselves constitute a valuable resource, finite in nature, and which exists as a common right of the public to pass and repass freely over and across said lands without unreasonable obstruction or interference, and which therefore must be managed carefully; and,
- WHEREAS, the Federal Telecommunications Act preserves local governments’ ability to manage the public rights-of-way on a competitively neutral and non-discriminatory basis pursuant to 47 U.S.C. 332 (c)(7)(A); and,
- WHEREAS, New Jersey municipalities must give consent before a Small Cell, i.e., a small antenna, can be placed on existing poles pursuant to N.J.S.A. 48:3-19, and for the erection of new poles within the public rights-of-way pursuant to N.J.S.A. 48:17-10; and,
- WHEREAS, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) has recently adopted an order entitled “Accelerating Wireless Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment; Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment,” WT Docket No. 17-79; WC Docket 17-84, which places a “shot clock” on municipal approval for the placement of Small Cells on existing poles and the placement of new poles in the public Right-of-Way; and,
- WHEREAS, the erection of new poles and ground level cabinets in the Public Right-of-Way raise significant aesthetic and safety concerns; and,
- WHEREAS, the FCC, in its recent order, provides that municipalities can impose aesthetic requirements on Small Cells where said requirement are: 1) reasonable; 2) no more burdensome than those applied to other types of infrastructure deployment; and 3) published in advance; and,
- WHEREAS, the Borough has determined that it is necessary to set forth clear standards in relation to the siting of poles, cabinets and antennas for the benefit of its citizens and any utilities which use or will seek to make use of said public rights-of-way;
- NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED as follows: Section 1. The Code of the Borough of Westwood is hereby supplemented… [see the ordinance for details].
Locations identified
Existing, new, and decorative pole locations are identified as nearest:
- 1 Crest St.
- 13 Jefferson Ave.
- 298 Westwood Ave.
- 47 Forest Ave.
- 23 Lake Dr.
- Jake Voorhees Park
- 3rd Ave. and Washington
- 346 Old Hook Road
- 100 Carver Ave.
- 50 Charles St.
- 39 3rd Ave.
- 160 Harrington Ave.
- 6 Lake St.
- McKinley Park
- 201 Emerson Road
This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage and publication according to law.