Residents oppose proposed cell tower near Milford

A proposed 174-foot Verizon cell tower near Milford, PA, is drawing pushback from residents who say it threatens both their property values and the character of the historic district. At an October 19 Milford Borough Council meeting, the plan — submitted by Verizon's engineering firm, Trileaf, for a site at 106 Quarter House Lane — sparked visible frustration among attendees and council members alike.

According to the letter from Trileaf, the tower would include equipment housed within a 2,500 square-foot compound. Because the proposed site sits at an elevation of roughly 496 feet, former Historic Architectural Review Board chair David Lender pointed out that the 174-foot structure would be visible from popular vantage points, including the Milford Knob hiking trail. He called the plan "a complete finger in the air to the whole historic district." Milford Borough Board vice president Maria Farrell was equally direct, stating plainly, "This is not something we want."

Why This Matters Beyond Aesthetics

For many families, a proposed cell tower raises questions that go beyond views and property lines. Tamara Chant, a local real estate agent, told the council the tower could lower home valuations in the area — a concern that resonates with health-conscious homebuyers who are already factoring EMF exposure into where they choose to live. While this particular report focuses on visual and historic impact rather than health data, it's a reminder that cell tower siting decisions are often made with limited local input — and once approved, they're difficult to undo.

Notably, the borough faces a tight deadline: Trileaf's letter specified that Milford Borough had 30 days from September 28 to respond, or the project would proceed as though there were no objections. That response is due October 28, putting real time pressure on residents who want their concerns formally heard.

What Concerned Residents Can Do

If you're navigating similar concerns in your own community — or simply want to reduce ambient EMF exposure at home regardless of nearby infrastructure — there are practical steps worth considering. Many households are exploring EMF shielding paint as a way to reduce signal penetration into living spaces, while others are rethinking everyday appliances, from low-EMF hair dryers to low-EMF air purifiers, to minimize overall exposure at home.

For now, Milford residents are watching closely to see whether the borough council's response — due by month's end — will slow or reshape the project. Anyone buying or renting in the area may want to ask about pending tower proposals before signing on the dotted line.

Originally reported by The River Reporter