The Board of Appeals Hearing regarding the W2GPS ham radio tower was held on Wednesday, Feb 9th at 6:30 PM at 44 Calvert St (The Arundel Center, County Council Chambers) in Annapolis.

There was a strong ham radio presence, vastly outnumbering people from the opposition. There was an estimate of about 70 hams in the chamber. W2GPS's attorney presented a strong case. The opposition's case was weak, at best. All their exhibits and most of their testimony were thrown out. The county officials and the county attorney were 100% behind issuance of the tower permit.

Unfortunately we ran out of time so the rest of the testimony will be taken at a follow-up hearing on March 23rd. This is a problem because it gives the opposition over a month to get their act together and mount a better attack. Thus W2GPS will again need a strong show of support at the March 23rd hearing. Please put it on your calendar and come if you can. It should be entertaining, if the first hearing is any guide.

On a personal note, I wish to thank each and every one who attended or was thinking of me during this trying time. The tremendous support and warm reception I received from the ham community gave be the courage and focus to testify with conviction and to withstand cross examination without faltering. I owe the ham community a great debt of gratitude.

The antenna project is nearly complete. This week W3MC is installing a new bulkhead for all the new and old coax and control cables that will dramatically improve the neatness and flexibility of the ham shack. Next week we will dig the trench and finalize the lightning protection system. See www.cnssys.com/~w2gps for pictures of the project. New pictures are added as activity takes place. Feel free to call or e-mail Rick if you have any questions at w2gps@arrl.net or 410-987-7835.

Rick W2GPS