It’s standard practice in city/town government that when an existing ordinance is officially being updated, a moratorium is put in place. This holds applications from being processed until the ordinance is updated. New applications would then be processed under the new, revised ordinance.

This information was presented and confirmed at a past council meeting by then-Town Manager Grady Miller. A moratorium allows the town to make the needed changes, some of which may be necessary as a consequence of a change in available technology or other circumstances. 

Several months ago, the current Town Council approved a moratorium related to small-cell facilities for 5G technology. This was prompted by concerns raised by residents related to potential risks to their health as well as to the placement of these small-cell “towers” above-ground and in rights-of-way close to private homes and the impact on property values.  By doing so, the majority of the Council followed common practice and sought to pursue a rational solution to the concerns.

It is important to note that the concerns of residents would be largely answered by using underground, rather than above-ground, equipment. This would protect property values and lessen health-related risks.

Much opposition to the moratorium, including a recent letter to the editor, has misrepresented this fact. In short, the 5G moratorium is a standard, validated and rational approach to protecting our property values and residents’ concerns. In other words, it’s actually good government.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.