MILLSTONE – An application submitted by Verizon Wireless requesting permission to place antennas on an existing cellular communications tower at 663 Route 33 has been approved by the Millstone Township Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Representatives of New York SMSA Limited Partnership (Verizon Wireless) appeared before the board on July 26. Attorney Lynne Dunn presented the application.
With the board’s approval, Verizon Wireless will be able to place 12 antennas, nine remote radio heads, an 865-square-foot equipment compound and a propane generator at the Route 33 location.
The existing monopole at 663 Route 33 is 154 feet tall, according to the company. The approved antennas and remote radio heads will be placed at a maximum height of 133 feet.
Verizon Wireless initially sought administrative approval for the expansion, submitting its request on March 3 and March 24. Administrative approval would have allowed the company to add the equipment without appearing before the zoning board.
The request was denied by Township Engineer Matt Shafai on the grounds that bulk variances were required for Verizon Wireless’ proposal because the proposed compound area was outside an existing one and because it did not meet the township’s required accessory structure setback, and because the proposal did not meet certain zoning requirements.
An appeal of Shafai’s decision was submitted by Dunn on April 28. Verizon Wireless also prepared an application seeking the required variances if the appeal was denied.
At the July 26 meeting, Dunn announced that Verizon Wireless was no longer appealing Shafai’s decision. She said the company would present its application before the board.
Following a discussion regarding the technical aspects of the plan, members of the board spoke in favor of the application.
“I don’t see any inherent issue with this,” board member Anthony Conoscenti said. “The site is a commercial site, I pass it every day and you really can’t see the structures in the back of the property itself. Plus, it will improve service and I am a victim of that. You go up Perrineville Road and your phone just dies.”
“Because of the property, you can’t see [the facility] and [the facility] is out of the way of any new development,” board Vice Chairman Steve Barthelmes said. “I think [the location] is pretty much optimal.”
Barthelmes, Conoscenti and board members Barry Frost and Al Ferro voted to approve the Verizon Wireless application.
The property at 663 Route 33 is owned by Richard and Barbara Joule and Verizon Wireless leases a portion of the tract. The Joules have given Verizon Wireless consent and authorization to make applications and to seek permits for the development of a wireless communications facility at that location.
