Interesting, the timing of this article, as the Alton Selectman who is mentioned in your above article was removed from his position as the vice chair in last night's meeting. One of the reasons given in the article for the "demotion", if you will, is comments he supposedly made as a representative of the selectmen - including comments about the cell tower issue.
You can read the article about the meeting
HERE in The Citizen.
Last I knew, this was still all tied up and not going anywhere fast.
No surprise, really.
On the other hand, I've heard that schools and municipal properties are renting out the tops of their buildings, flag poles, utility poles, etc. as "mini towers". From what I hear it brings in revenue and meets coverage needs - plus there's no butt-ugly tower in view. I wonder if this has ever been considered?
I realize Alton is a very large town - the most paved road of any NH town - but perhaps this would help in the village because there is little/no service here. (Try making a cell phone call by the Alton Fire Department area sometime - grrrr!)