Small Town News

Sussex board approves cell tower near Milford

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Vote overrides residents' objections

The Sussex County Board of Adjustment has approved a special-use exception for construction of a 150-foot telecommunications tower off Route 1 south of Milford.

With a 3-2 vote May 16, the board overrode nearby residents' concerns and approved a Cello Partnership/Verizon Wireless request for construction of a cell phone tower on the Knollac Farm.

Knollac Acres residents testified the tower would reduce their property values and change the rural setting and view they were accustomed to. The community is east of the tower site behind the farm.

Brent Workman asked the commission to consider adding a stipulation requiring the applicant move the cell tower farther from the community. After more than 15 minutes of discussion, the commission decided there was not enough space to move the tower.

"I would like to see the tower be moved closer to the applicant's house and Route 1 and away from the development. It shouldn't be next to the homes," said Commissioner Brent Workman.

"What difference would a move make?" asked Commissioner John Mills. "The opposition does not want the cell tower there no matter where it is on the property. They don't want to see a tower."

Mills said the applicant presented a more factual presentation than the opposition. "The question is would this substantially adversely affect the area," he said. The opposition presented opinions, while the applicant provided experts with studies that proved there would be minimal, if any, effect on nearby property values, Mills said.

He added research showed there was need for additional coverage in the area, all safety concerns had been addressed, and there were no' other alternatives available.

Mills, Workman and Chairman Dale Callaway voted in favor of the request while Jeff Hudson and Ronald McCabe voted against it.





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