HARRISVILLE COMMUNITY CONVERSATION, JUNE 19, 6-8:30 pm             

Dear Friends,                                                                                                  June 10, 2018

Harrisville residents and friends are invited to supper and a Community Conversation from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at the Granite Mill on Main Street.  Follow signs to the meeting room.  OurTopic:  Ordinance changes needed to improve cell/internet connectivity.

Conversation Purpose:   Determine if town residents want improved cell and broadband service, considering the necessary trade-offs

Conversation Goals:

  • Understand the main points of the Town’s recently completed Broadband-Cell study
  • Discuss proposed changes to the Town’s current tower ordinance, necessary to improve cell and broadband service (one or more towers might need to be erected)
  • Discuss pros and cons of improved cell broadband service

 Our meeting will be conducted by the Broadband Cell Committee of the Planning Board, which has met monthly since 2016.  The Committee helped to raise 2/3 of the $21,000 needed to fund a Broadband Cell study provided by InterIsle Consulting Group of Massachusetts.  The Town contributed 1/3 of the cost.  InterIsle assessed the topographic and technical challenges and costs, financial and otherwise, of improving cell/broadband coverage in Harrisville.  The Study was completed in the winter of 2018. (See the Town website under Planning Board to read a copy of the study.)  The Town 2014 Master Plan views such improvements as basic to town infrastructure and economic development needs.

Do residents think cell/broadband improvements can provide long-term benefit to the Town’s health and viability, i.e. increase our economic vitality, quality of life, demographic mix, capacity to attract families (key to Wells Memorial School’s student population)? Our conversation aims to educate everyone to these long-term concerns and questions.

We begin with supper at 6:00 pm and request a donation of $5 for pizza, salad, and dessert.   Discussion will start at 6:30 pm.  Babysitting will be provided – please contact Lisa Anderson at

landerson@universalhomedesign.orgif you plan to bring children.  Contact Ned Hulbert at ned@growingedgepartners.comfor general information on the meeting.

We hope to see you June 19!

Broadband Cell Committee:  Nick Colony, Brian Foucher, Lee Garland, Ned Hulbert, Lisa Sieverts, Carol Ogilvie (consultant)

Harrisville Planning Board: Lisa Anderson, Courtney Cox, Noel Greiner, Ned Hulbert, Jon Miner (Select Board Representative), Ryan Stone, Peter Thayer, Craig Thompson