Sussex Board of Adjustment continues decision on Old Landing Road cell tower

A Verizon cell tower proposed in a wooded area off Old Landing Road hit opposition Oct. 7, after nearby residents cited environmental concerns and asked if taller structures in the area would be able to handle antennas instead.

The tower is proposed to be built on owner-occupied land on the west side of Old Landing Road south of Betsy Ross Boulevard.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant Cellco Partnership, attorney John Tracey asked for a special-use exception for the proposed tower with an equipment shelter that would be 130-feet tall with a 5-foot lightning rod on a five-acre wooded area zoned AR-1, agricultural-residential. 

“Large, undeveloped properties such as this one are getting hard to come by,” Tracey said.

With more and more cellphones replacing home phone services and new technology needs such as video that tax a coverage footprint, Tracey said more coverage is needed.

“We have an existing gap in coverage in the area,” he said. “People often don’t like these facilities, but people are also attached to their cellular technology. There is a need.”

Tracey said there are no adverse effects on neighboring properties, and the tower does not generate traffic.

However, six residents attended the meeting to voice their concerns.

John Zuna, who lives within 200 feet of property, asked whether Verizon had looked into placing an antenna on the water tower near Beacon Middle School or atop the Beebe Healthcare facility on Route 24.

“I’m saying they haven’t done their homework,” Zuna said. “Do we really need a new tower on Old Landing Road if they put antennas on the water tower?” 

William Hunt, who lives about a mile from the proposed tower, echoed Zuna’s point and said that real estate prices are typically impacted by 20% when a tower is built nearby.

Neighbor Donna Voight said she’s worried about the wetlands on the property, and Eleanor Hunt said she is concerned about wildlife in the area. As a stargazer, she said, she doesn’t want to look at a cell tower.

“More homework needs to be done before ripping into the woods,” she said.

Tracey responded by saying the tower won’t impact mosquito spraying in the area, and the tower will be lit with no guy wires to prevent collisions with migratory birds or other objects.

Higher locations in the area will be needed for future growth, Tracey said.

Although Verizon is applying for the tower, it’s common for other companies to place their antennas on the same structure. All providers have master lease agreements, said project engineer Andrew Petersohn, and other providers often co-locate.

“It’s unusual to see a single-user facility,” he said.

After hearing neighbor concerns, the board decided to table the matter, asking the applicant to reach out to the neighboring communities to share information. The board also asked for information on the proposed tower’s coverage area and the area that will be covered by antennas on the water tower.

The record was left open until Monday, Nov. 4, to allow for comments, and the board voted 4-0 to review at its second meeting in November.