Forwarded from ARRL members only web site:
==> RICK HAMBLY, W2GPS, NEEDS COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Rick, W2GPS has installed a new 70 foot Rohn 45G tower (85' with mast) on his residential property in Severna Park MD. . Although he obtained a valid building permit and no covenants exist (they expired many years ago) some of his neighbors are fighting vigorously against his tower.
A formal appeal has been filed against Rick’s building permit claiming that he is a commercial tower. In addition the opponents of the tower are trying to get the Greater Severna Park Counsel to oppose the tower. Rick has retained K1VR and a local Annapolis attorney to represent him at the appeal hearing. The Anne Arundel Count Board of Appeals has scheduled a hearing as follows:
Location: Council Chambers Arundel Center, 44 Calvert St., Annapolis MD Date/Time: 02/09/2011 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Rick needs as many Hams as possible to attend the hearing to balance the crowd that the influential neighbors are gathering. This might be an important test for Ham Radio in Anne Arundel County and the State of Maryland. Please plan to arrive at least an hour early if possible to help fill the available seats with friendly Hams! The more support the better. Let's show Anne Arundel County that there are a lot of us out there and that we want to be recognized as valued members of our community.
Maps and other information are available at: http://www.aacounty.org/BdofAppeals.
Parking garages are shown at:
http://www.annapolis.gov/Government/Departments/Transportation/Parking/Garag....
This installation has been in the planning stages for over a year. The project is partially complete with the tower erected and the antennas on top of the tower but there is no rotor or wiring yet. See www.cnssys.com/~w2gps for pictures of the project. New pictures are added as activity takes place. Rick is trying to get the project basically completed before the hearing. Feel free to call or e-mail Rick if you have any questions at [email protected] or 410-987-7835.
Here are some quotes from neighbors over the past few days that you may find interesting.
“In addition to Mr. Hambly [Rick, W2GPS] our opponents are the Anne Arundel Amateur Radio Club (AARC), a Ham Operators club. Check their web site at http://w3vpr.org/node/983 and you can see what we are up against. They have already contacted Al Johnson numerous times opposing the Appeal. Much of the construction work is being done by members of the AARC who are not members of our community. We are being invaded by a special interest group that has no regard to our community and its appearance. As home owners we would be reluctant to purchase property with an 85ft tower on 1/3 acre lots. Different communities have different standards and expectations. Let’s maintain our standards by appearing and registering at the Board of Appeals meeting on Feb 9th.”
“This group [of Hams] is well organized and they stick together. So they will be at the meeting on February 9th in force. If the meeting starts at 6:30, they will be at 5:30. Let's take back our streets.”