I hope everyone that is concerned takes a really good look at the pictures attached to this article. First, the poles themselves. It's obvious ATC, by way of our township, saw an opportunity (which twp easily provided as opposed to another) to put these poles up as fast as they can and move toward generating service/revenue for themselves. Because, they are keenly aware through their business practices what the twp knew also.....once these towers go up and they are "technically" following policy/law, it is difficult to have them removed. The township can BS us any way they want in person and act concerned, but trust your guts, they just want to pacify the residents when they are getting heat. It's about them deflecting heat and appearing concerned - definitely most, if not each one of them. When they look directly at you and express a form of empathy, it's political tact, unless they make a sincere effort. And they should make an effort! All of this legal stuff, in reality, comes down to interpretation of the law, articulation, and influence. ATC, lined up their legal ducks, while the township minimized the project out of some interest, and solidified THEIR backing for legal interpretation and influenced politicians before we had OUR chance to do the same. A judge -a person- interpreted the issue. As always, subjective. It's who's (twp/ATC or Us) can generate more influence - plain and simple. ATC positioned themselves with that long before we could.

Second, take a look at the resident's faces during the meeting. Powerless, aggravated, obviously upset, almost begging, being suggested a path by politicians who are supposed to represent us, but yet having to place faith now in the same politicians to some extent. Think about it. For the Chairman to suggest to a group of adults that they "screwed up" is unprofessional, irresponsible and offensive. Don't let them act like they care "all of the sudden" or feel compelled to understand the stresses or demands of their political position. The Chairman knows full well, when he first heard of the project, one of the first thoughts that crossed his mind was...will it affect my family and property, and value. He knew the placement and negative effect before us, even if it was just a day -- which would be a day for him to re-act, which we didn't even have. I don't care how much empathy he may or may not have expressed last night, but he some critical influence and control, along with others, regarding this issue. Really think about how much control the TWP and ATC has over us now, no matter what they forward. Without this being undone completely, they - quietly in their political survival personalities - got away with it. This strengthens their hand moving forward, like someone committing an offense without being caught. They were put up fast and sloppy (after getting the interpretation they need from court), so they could get them up and beat us to the punch.

Lets plan another meeting this week! And call the local news stations.

Let this be a lesson to all residents of Northampton. These Supervisors spend so much time at each other's throats (both sides are guitly) that nothing that is good for the taxpayer is getting done. On April 9th a special meeting is called to vote on a resolution to not settle a lawsuit with the former crooked township manager. That is quite a "brave" stand. Then they bicker back and forth about the about a potential suit against a previous solicitor IF the township manager wins. Time was found on this but In the meantime they all knew about this issue and nobody thinks to bring it up...NOT ONCE. So don't let them be the last word or the voice for your property rights and don't let them off easy with the admission of "we screwed up". How about "We didn't tell you because (Choose one: a) We forgot b) We didn't think anyone would notice c) we didn't think it was important d) we thought we found a way to make some money on the side e) we didn't care.)) Throw them all out!

The node looks like any other telephone pole. The pole is ugly to start with, but there was no protesting to take that down. What's the big deal?

ATC sued the Township and won. At least that's what the articles have said. Seems like the Courts have already said you lost. What makes you think that you could somehow have changed the result in that case? I don't think "your Honor, we really, really, really don't want them" wold have been enough.

Maybe you guys should step back and think about why ATC would want to install this stuff anyway. I'm sure it isn't for fun. They do it because of demand. Yes. Demand. The demand that all of us create when we buy our 8 year olds iPhones and let them go wild with texting and video chat and everything else that gobbles up the cell phone signals. I'm sure that your entire neighborhood is just like everyone else in this country. We use cell phones. Daily. A lot. And that demand creates the need for more infrastructure to support the service. Talk about common sense. Do you think ATC is just some shadowy evil company lurking about trying to come up with new ways to invoke the wrath of neighborhoods like yours? Just for the heck of it? I don't think so.
No. They do this because we all create the demand that compels this sort of infrastructure and ends up with nodes on poles all over the place.

I can understand that you don't like the poles. But, can you stop whining long enough to realize that the world is probably not going to end because of this and that we're all to blame. We've created the cell phone industry monster. And this is the result.

I meant "the township".

For some reason, resident participation in this issue was calculated in by the township and ATC -- in a certain way, and no one can convince me it has nothing to do with why the court ruled the way it did, then the township backs off, then nodes/antennas/towers go up. Then oops, "we screwed up" and forgot to tell you about this little 60 locations project affecting residential neighborhoods. Too coincidental and too slick, and residents are supposed to just accept the circumstances of this perfect storm -- umm....I mean "demand."

So you think the Court and the Township and this ATC company all conspired against your neighborhood somehow? That's what it's starting to sound like.
I'm still missing how your being notified would change the result of the lawsuit that ATC filed. You aren't really suggesting that the judge would have ruled the other way just because you and/or the other residents in the area would have told him how much you don't like poles in your neighborhood, are you? Do you really think that would have changed the result?

I'm reading your comments again carefully, and I think you're really starting to sound very elitist.
I live in Northampton and there are telephone poles on my street. I don't think that my neighborhood is subject to "blight" because of it. It certainly doesn't look shabby, decrepit or match the definition of what blight is. I checked it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_decay
To listen to you complain that your neighborhood is going to suddenly turn into a bastion of decay and economic collapse because of twelve new poles is a bit tough to swallow. And I'm just a tad bit insulted that you expect my tax dollars to be used to protect your rich, white, elitist housing enclave. I guess it's ok, since we are all just living in blighted squalor out here. We get to suffer the above ground lines and poles that carry your telephone lines to your neighborhood where they can then be buried. But that's ok, right? As long as you get to keep your neighborhood looking the way you want it, the heck with the rest of us.
Sorry, but there is no way that the other 40,000+ of us that live in this Township should have to pay the bill to enhance your property values. Sounds like the township already tried and the court said no. From here, you should pay your own way.

My tax money pays township lawyers/staff/experts to litigate - even appeals. These people don't work for free.

Your arguments are erratic. Are you concerned about aesthetics or do you really think that cell phone signals are going to irradiate your babies? I can't believe I'm hearing that in the 21st Century.

From the point of view of an outside observer, I am merely pointing out that all of your complaining sounds very much like you think you're somehow better than the rest of the township residents and that you're entitled to priority treatment. That you think the township was paid off to screw you over reinforces that you must actually think you live at the center of the universe. It's preposterous.

From all I've seen here, you guys need a reality check. This isn't the end of the world, people. Ask the troops on Afghanistan or the people dying in Africa or the homeless that shuffle around the streets of our cities. Those are tragic. This is not of the same order at all.

And if you disagree, hire your own lawyer to pursue it. Don't expect the public to pay the legal bills for you.

I just returned home from a business trip and caught the last supervisor's meeting on TV last night and was shocked when I learned about the tower/pole situation. My wife didn't know anything about it either, so we then viewed the pictures of the ugly pole and wires on the Northampton Patch website. When we saw the last picture showing the full length of the pole, and how it devalued the look of the home and the surrounding landscaping, we then realized why residents were so upset.

This is simply a disgrace! It is both an abuse, and a manipulation, of outdated utility right of way agreements. 25 foot poles should never be erected on someone's front lawn without their approval. Poles should be phased out with the advancement of today's technology. We should be moving forward, not backwards! I can't believe that the board would have thought that residents would be okay with this. What were they thinking? Also, I can't believe that anyone that lives in Northampton township would find this acceptable! What country do you think we are living in when a company, which is not even a utility company, can manipulate the system, obtain a court order, and come to your home and deface your property value with impunity? Maybe we should erect one of these poles on the judge's home that approved these poles, and see if that changes his perspective. The poles are not on my property, but my wife and I will join the fight because this is simply wrong.

People, build a bridge and get over it. What's done is done! Why isn't anyone complaining of the substandard, lackluster paving projects that go on in NH. Streets that were good for 40 years get milled, repaved (by NH employees, that mow the grass too) and low and behold 5 years later need to be repaved. Channel your efforts and aggression to projects that can save all of us a lot of tax $. Paying lawyers is not an efficient or effective way to pend tax$. Just saying.

Some of the folks commenting here seem to feel that the residents who are fighting the cell poles are elitist. I think they are not elitist but very angry that they were not brought into the conversation by our Board of Supervisors since this has been an issue since 2008/9. All we ever hear about is transparency in government and it appears as though this entire issue was shrouded in secrecy. As a resident who will not be affected by a cell tower and who has voted in every election since becoming a homeowner here in 1973, I am extremely disappointed in my Board of Supervisors, past and present, who have not brought this issue to light in its entirety in a timely fashion with the residents. Richboro Resident

Mr Deon, which of the republican supervisors voted in favor of going forth with the appeal? NONE! Please don't try and make this a party divided issue. Both parties failed us and right now, we all need to fight together.

I am interested in all of the comments that have been made. I'm not sure what Afghanistan and the military have to do with this, but for the record my son is currently serving there. It doesn't matter now who voted which way, but it does matter which way we go forward. Residents have a right to know what is happening in their township. We were not informed of this cell project and I am getting a pole on my property. I was denied the opportunity to be heard. This company seems to be arrogant and secretive or maybe it is our Supervisors who are making the wrong choices.
We need to investigate the legality of the project and at least prepare our township plans for the telecommunications of the future. The issue is still up for discussion.

To: Living the Bucks Life: I chose to move to my neighborhood, in part, because of the underground utilities and was willing to pay a premium for the opportunity. Do you suggest dressing up the towers for Christmas or hanging fancy lights from them like they do in Hershey to make them look nice? Perhaps you feel that overhead electrical wires and clothes lines wouldn't affect property values either. Formal reports shouldn't be needed to establish what common sense ought to dictate.

To: Living the Bucks Life:
My home, in Churchville, was just appraised 10 days ago, and according to the appraiser while he was out here, everything matters. He said he gave me points for mature landscaping and explained that curb appeal is a factor when determining the final amount that ends up in the report. I’m not selling my home, but I am currently refinancing, so it is important to improve home values.
Just in case I am wrong, I placed a call to the appraiser and left him a message as to what was happening in our township and asked him to let me know how much, if any, would be deducted from my home’s value if one of those ugly poles suddenly became erected in my front yard. I’ll post back his answer regardless of the outcome if he returns my call. If anyone is an appraiser out there, please jump in and set the record straight.
I just can’t believe that some of you don’t have an issue with these large poles with all those wires going up in our neighborhoods that have everything already underground.
I would love to see your expression if you came home to a notice hanging on your door stating that your property was next on the list. I doubt very much that you would hold the same view as you do now.

A pole was installed on the corner of my property and I am so upset. It happened while I was out of the country and I was not informed about the installation. I hope everyone can unite and help eradicate any more cell phone poles from being installed because, as I understand it, once a pole is installed it will not be removed so now nothing can be done for me. I am still shock that a pole could be installed on my property without my permission or knowledge. I did call the township yesterday and asked why I was not informed by email. They email me about summer camps, music in the park, etc. but something as important as a 43 foot pole being installed and I don't hear anything. The woman on the phone said it was a VERY good question and I was the first to ask it. Are you kidding me?

I hope the current Supervisors are reading this. It is clear that others agree with my earlier post regarding the BOS being too concerned with making each other look bad. They have been doing it for so long that they may believe that this is how government works. As to the point of the board being too concerned with politics, I would like to clarify. The definition of politics is methods and tactics used to govern. They need to be political. They are politicians. The thing is they are bad politicians. I do not mean to run off on a tangent but I really believe this is how taxpayers' needs are being overlooked. Again the April 9 meeting as an example: All agreed not to give Townsend a dime by settling a lawsuit. Cunningham's assertion that the former solicitor may be held responsible was not unreasonable. However, it did not have to be decided then. A good politician would have conceded this point for later discussion for which he may have even gained unanimous support. This board just does not get that concept. They never have. When the republicans had the majority, they saw no need to make concessions either--never thinking that one day they might need support for their initiatives. So now, we have this pole issue. I am thinking that it must be all of their responsibility because if one side could blame the other they would have done it. This is why the residents need to fight these themselves. This board of supervisors is simply incapable of advancing anything.

I met Mr. O'Neill at the Newtown Memorial Day parade where he attempted to strong arm my ninety year old WWII veteran father with Parkinson's to sign a petition to allow him to run for office. When I asked Mr.O'Neill to move along he proceeded to rant that I had no business challenging him. There's no place in local government for this man...

Mr Deon continues to try and make this into a party issue...suggesting that this is all happening because of the democratic majority board of supervisors. When I pointed out that the republicans sitting on the board (and they sat on the previous board as well) also voted against the appeal, he ran to facebook and copied and pasted his comments onto the NoCellTowers page, hoping that perhaps there he could turn this into another "us verses them" issue.
Once again I'll say...both parties got us here and it doesn't help us now to finger point. We need to fight this TOGETHER!!
So Mr. Deon, putting your party, judge, solicitor etc. bashing aside, I ask you what can you do to help us??

I have been reading, with great interest, the stream of comments, the conversation
has been well thought out and constructive. I find it refreshing that people of diverse backrounds and interests are coming together to work toward a solution to a concern that affects Northampton residents as a whole. Working cooperativly to solve a broader problem is much more likely to have success. On the political side, note should be made that while litigation was ongoing, the supervisors could not really discuss the issue. Once the decision became known on Jan. 25th the public should have been made aware by Chmm. Rothermel, so the affected parties could have input as to how to proceed. I am trying to stay away from politics on this issue. However, as to the last two comments by Newtown Proud and Carmen Sense, where Bill O'Neill has been mentioned, I urge the interested parties TO AVOID HIM LIKE THE PLAGUE. For over thirty years now he has attached himself to whatever cause could get him in the spotlite, rarely has he achieved anything of public value, he jumps from issue to issue so that he can keep his name in the public domain. The people I heard speaking to this concern at the supervisors meeting all made intelligent and well reasoned comments. Moving forward, form a working group, obtain legal and other expert advice from outside non interested advisors. At all costs keep your eyes on the goal and avoid personal attacks on those from whom you are seeking solutions.

I just wanted to thank the guy handing out fliers and getting people to sign a petition at the Richboro Superfresh tonight. He is giving up his time with his kids to stand there all alone in order to make people aware of what's going on. He doesn't even have any towers going up near his yard, but he is fighting the battle. He told me that 85% of the people coming in haven't even heard anything about the towers going up yet. I heard him tell people that the towers were 25ft, but all the towers in my neighborhood, and surrounding areas, are 43ft, so let's stop using 25ft. when we inform folks.

He also informed me that there will be a special emergency meeting at the Municipal building at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, May 15th. We need everyone that cares to show and show your support. Tell all of your neighbors. Remind them that even if one is not going in their yard this time around, it's only a matter of time before the other companies start selecting sites. We are all at risk if we allow ATC to get away with this.

There was a very small article in today's (Thursday) Courier Times on page A8 about the upcoming supervisors meeting to discuss American Tower Corp installation of "mini" cell phone towers or poles around the township on Tuesday, May 15 at 7;30 pm. The meeting is set for the township building at 55 Township Road, however, the venue might be changed to accommodate a larger audience. ATC reps will be at the meeting to answer questions. Residents are urged to call 215-357-6800 or visit the township website up to 4:30 pm on Tuesday to check the location.

Patty makes a very good point - We receive all kinds of mailings and email postings about summer camps, music in the park, recreational activities, but something as important as a 43 foot pole being installed on people's lawns and we don't hear anything??? HOW CAN THAT BE AN OVERSIGHT??? There is no excuse for a hard working, tax-paying resident to arrive home and find an ugly, unnecessary tower installed on his lawn without any prior notice. I have seen this story on several of the evening news shows tonight so I am glad the word is getting around. None of these poles is impacting my property, but I am protesting on behalf of my neighbors. Right not I am very suspicious of the Supervisors' reasons for keeping this quiet. I smell a payout and I don't like it one bit. Let's not let them off the hook, neighbors! They are supposed to be working for US, not private companies who stand to make profit at our expense. No way one of these supervisors would just shrug and allow this to happen to their own properties. Anyone who thinks these towers will not impact property values is living in dreamland. If we take this lying down, what (and who) is next? The entire Board of Supervisors should be thrown out! This issue speaks volumes about where there real interests lie -- and it is not with we taxpaying residents.

Does anyone know why community activist Shop N' Bag owner Murray Battleman isn't weighing in on this issue? With his past history of trying to do what's right for the citizens of Northampton I would think he'd be the first to bring his clout and resources to bear in favor of the residents.

If the negatives of living in the township begin to add up and outweigh the positives, Mr. Battleman won't have any customers left to keep.

Thank you Northampton Patch for providing the means to communicate the concerns of the community! I can only wish I would see comments from sitting supervisors their position on this topic. Personally I feel the residents are alone and in need of a supervisor advocate that could organize and unite the community against ATC. This is the time for leadership from other than the chairman seat who has abandoned us in our mission. Who will stand up and be counted?

I can envision a billboard, or some signs going up, right near the 43 foot towers with Vincent Deon’s picture on it, with the caption underneath: “Miss me yet?”

Vince, if you had been fighting this all along then it looks like we make an error in allowing the D’s to gain control of the Board. One thing I didn’t like when the R’s had control was their refusal to address the citizen’s concerns and limiting the resident’s speech. I think folks were looking for a change, but if this is the direction that we are heading as a result, I think we should reverse course and get people back on the Board that know what the hell they are doing, and will not allow any outsiders to transform us into looking like a city. Hillcrestshire is correct. If we give them an inch today, they’ll take a yard tomorrow, until Northampton becomes unrecognizable.

I am reading these comments and it makes me want to throw up with Deon's responses. If he (you) were so "on" then why were you voted out. Obviously the majority spoke. Also, if you were doing such a great job fighting the towers, why didn't we know about it until now. Hmmmm. Politically motivated one might ask. Let's look back, did we know about the $1M fountain some call Carbon Monoxide Park before it was built. Did we get a say? Oh, there is also the brick lined Township Road, the most underutilized road in NH Township. I recall that price tag at $3/4M. Did we get a say on that project either? Deon, reread you comments before you submit them. Some of them sound really lame coming from a former leader that was voted out - because we had a say.

Most importantly, having leaders that respect the citizens and allow them to speak at meetings is a start. Um - right, you and your compadres shut down everyone mid sentence, if you even allowed them to speak at all. Get copies of your regimes meetings and see how disgraceful they were.

Last but not least, as I said before, screw party affiliation and make things right. It is proven that Rep or Dem, this township has serious issues on electing qualified officials.

To be clear, I don't believe assigning blame by political party lines will be effective.

Everything starts somewhere. Minor indications of neglect by the township may add up one day, after starting a chain reaction of more negative issues we're advised to accept as the unfortunate reality. Don't trick yourself into believing it can never, ever happen here. Never say never. These poles are like the grass left to grow too long, when you look at the township as a whole.

http://pathawayhomes.com/post/2990929/the-broken-window-theory-a-call-to-action-for-the-real-estate-community-

Dear Just Because, In regard to your question as to the whereabouts of Murray Battleman, I am a neibhbor of his and he is currently away on vacation and will not be returning untile later this monbth. I have left a message for him on his return. Perhaps he will weigh in at that time. He is a fine man and cares deeply about our community.

If either the Township or ATC gave a $5000 tax-free check to anyone who has or will have a tower on their property, would that "work" or be an acceptable solution?

Mike, I am sure there would be many, many, many residents that would line up for a pole and the $5000 check. Maybe they would offer the poles in designer colors too.

I watch many BOS meetings and am routinely appalled at O'Neil. This guy is a bored, prob retired, rabble rouser that likes to hear himself talk. He likes to pose as a republican but all his attacks are at republicans. Bottom line, this guy is no fit for Northampton. We should be greatful he wasnt elected  We need real leaders in this township, not actors!

I have seen O'Neil on other meetings and topics. I didn't get to watch the latest. Sometime I wonder where this guy is coming from but at other times he gets everyone thinking. Its not so bad having a 'devil's advocate' at meetings. They are great or green-light sessions. Getting ideas on the table. No interruptions, no mocking. Listening to everyone. Great ideas and solutions often come out of the most inane (not insane) comments. So instead of bashing public comments and people, let's take something good away from them. It seems the residents are figuring out what we DO NOT want. Now let's figure what we do want, put a plan in action, get the right people in office to exeute those plans. Simple isn't it. Ok, so maybe not.

I only brought him up because an earlier post wrote about how he was a good rep for the township. In my humble opinion, no good has come from Rothermel/Cunningham since they were elected. They are about divisiveness and playing up for the cameras. Let's treat people like people. Everybody wants the same things in Northampton. Discuss matters and vote. It's not national politics.

Just to vote in. The mobile reception at my house is horrible regardless of the carrier. I happen to have T-mobile. I volunteer to have a pole placed at the rear of my yard as long as I am guaranteed 100% perfect reception. Not 100% - remove it!

Are they planning on removing the cell towers they installed last month?