Mahoning officials oppose state bill

Mahoning Township’s board of supervisors is standing in opposition to the state House of Representatives’ proposed amendment that aims to provide a statewide pre-emption of local zoning for wireless facilities.

The measure is part of a larger campaign orchestrated by the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, which sent a memo to all members detailing their opposition to HB 1620, which would amend the Wireless Broadband Collocation Act, along with a fill-in-the-blank form letter for each board to send to the House.

The act would permit “a relatively new wireless technology, known as distributed antenna systems or DAS” to be placed in public rights of way.

Under the act, Mahoning Township would be responsible for the safety of any residents in regard to these facilities.

The group’s form-letter opposition statement says that the bill would “strip municipalities of their legal authority to regulate wireless facilities both within and outside the public rights of way, undermining public safety and the protection,” in addition to requiring that municipalities adhere to standards above and beyond what is required by the federal government.

“Why would you ever give up local control?” Supervisor Robert Slaw said.

Supervisor Bruce Steigerwalt suggested that the new technology could potentially serve to replace local cellular towers, which occupy land that the township rents out to service providers, potentially cutting a revenue stream.

The bill is set for a hearing with the state’s House Consumer Affairs Committee on Jan. 9. State Rep. Doyle Heffley is part of this committee.

In other business

The board of supervisors sent a letter to the Municipal Authority in regard to a recent vacancy. The board’s letter stated that the board maintains authority for confirming a nomination for the open position.