Fight Heats Up As Verizon Moves Forward With 5G Monopoles In Belmar

BELMAR, NJ — U.S. Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ4) joined the growing fight against Verizon's proposal to install 5G monopoles along the beachfront in Belmar.

Verizon wants to install 30-foot 5G towers along the boardwalk on Ocean Avenue in Belmar.

But many Belmar residents and in surrounding towns say that not only will the monopoles look ugly and ruin the oceanfront views, but they are also worried about 5G electromagnetic radiation.

Is prolonged exposure to 5G radiation, WiFi and electromagnetic waves dangerous to human health?

The science is divided.

This 2021 scientific study from the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology found no confirmed evidence that low-level electromagnetic waves such as those used by the 5G network are hazardous to human health.

However, there are many other studies, including this research by a University of California-Berkeley professor, that show there could be harm from long-term exposure to electromagnetic fields: https://www.powerwatch.org.uk/...

Republican Congressman Smith said Verizon "should not dismiss" the public's concerns about 5G radiation and a possible cancer link in this letter he sent Aug. 16 to Verizon's corporate headquarters in Basking Ridge.

"Although long-term human health studies have yet to be completed on 5G frequencies in this relatively new use of the technology, I believe it would be short-sighted to dismiss health concerns until adequate and comprehensive studies have been conducted," said Congressman Smith.

Smith asked Verizon to “heed the genuine economic, aesthetic, environmental and health concerns of the community."

Belmar residents say the 5G monopoles will obstruct ocean views, devalue real estate and dissuade summer tourism, money from which powers Belmar's economy through the winter months.

“Belmar is a booming tourist destination and is regularly named among the best beach towns in New Jersey," said Smith. "Not surprisingly, Belmar’s pristine beaches create substantial seasonal revenue that helps sustain the town’s economy throughout the year."

According to the Congressman, Verizon has been "aggressive" in trying to install the monopoles.

First, Verizon sued the town of Belmar to get access to the Ocean Avenue land to build the poles. But according to Smith, that lawsuit was wrongfully filed against the town, as Monmouth County is the lawful owner of the boardwalk property.

Also, at their most recent meeting on Aug. 10, the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners voted to hire a lawyer to fight Verizon. Monmouth County hired Campanelli & Associates law firm out of Merrick, New York to challenge the 1996 federal Telecommunication Act.

That federal law severely limits how much input towns can have when it comes to where telecommunications companies seek to build new infrastructure. Current Belmar Mayor Gerald Buccafusco previously said about the monopoles, “There’s really very little that we, as a municipality, can do to stop (it)."

"We will continue to fight to make sure all our Shore towns and their residents’ concerns regarding the health and environmental impacts of 5G monopoles are addressed properly," said Monmouth County Commissioner Tom Arnone on Aug. 21.

Here is the paperwork from Monmouth County against the monopoles: https://oprs.co.monmouth.nj.us...

“Why the rush? Why the aggressive legal battle against the wrong governing body?” said Smith this week of Verizon.