Residents near 33rd Street and Bay Avenue are raising concerns over a proposed 125-foot cell tower they say would dramatically impact the character, safety and quality of life in their residential neighborhood. The issue has drawn growing public attention in Ocean City, where neighbors have packed meetings and voiced opposition to the proposal.
Neighbors say they are not opposed to improved cell service, but they believe a tower of this size should not be placed so close to homes, families and the Ocean City Municipal Airport.
They say the project deserves full public discussion, transparency and careful review, and argue it was approved without their knowledge by elected officials.
Residents have launched SOS Save Our Shore, a grassroots effort focused on protecting coastal neighborhoods from large-scale infrastructure projects they believe are being placed too close to residential communities. In just a matter of days, the group gathered nearly 500 signatures from concerned residents.
Neighbors say one of their biggest concerns is the lack of public awareness surrounding the project. Many residents say they only recently learned about the proposal and believe the community should have had more time and clearer notice before decisions moved forward. Election Day is around the corner and citizens are demanding answers from their elected officials.
Organizers say residents are often shocked to learn the project could happen in their own backyard. “If you need to notify your neighbors to build a fence, residents should certainly be informed when a 125-foot tower is proposed near their homes.”
The proposed tower has also raised questions about visual impact, neighborhood character, property values and safety considerations near the airport. Residents are asking local, county, state and federal officials to take a closer look at the project and whether alternative locations may be more appropriate.
Supporters of the Ocean City effort say this fight is part of a broader issue playing out across New Jersey. Shore communities including Spring Lake and Belmar have been engaged in disputes over proposed wireless infrastructure, and residents in Lakewood have also challenged a cell tower proposal in court.
In Spring Lake, residents have publicly opposed plans for towers along the shoreline, while Belmar residents have fought similar infrastructure proposed near the boardwalk.
Communities across New Jersey are facing similar battles. SOS Save Our Shore organizers say better protections are needed so neighborhoods have a real voice before these projects are approved.
Residents are urging city officials to encourage open public discussion, review the siting process carefully and consider alternatives that improve service without placing a large tower directly beside homes.
More information and petition details are available at www.sos-saveourshore.org.
