Thursday night, the Town of Hingham began a series of public hearings on a request from AT&T to construct a cell tower behind a small shopping center off Route 3A between downtown and the former shipyard.
AT&T proposes a 120-foot monopole, 85 feet from the nearest neighbor. The corporation needs a variance from the zoning board because the proposed tower exceeds the 100 feet allowed in the town bylaw.
AT&T claims it has a gap in coverage in that area. Federal regulations say if a cellular carrier demonstrates a gap in service, local authorities cannot control how the corporation conducts its business. But, Hingham hired consultant Ronald Graiff who testified AT&T had not yet demonstrated a gap in service. The public hearing continues January 21st.