In a recent meeting of the Pennsylvania County Board of Zoning Appeals, a special use permit for the construction of a cell tower was unanimously approved. The proposal, submitted by Arcola Towers, involves the installation of a 197-foot monopole for Verizon Wireless on a 45.06-acre property located on State Road 41 in the Cowan's Groton Election District.

The Planning Commission had previously recommended the approval of the petition with a 6-0 vote, citing no opposition to the project. Jonathan Yates, representing the petition, emphasized the necessity of improved cellular service in the area, noting that current connectivity issues hinder residents' access to essential services, including emergency response systems.

Yates highlighted that the proposed site, owned by local residents Andy and Laura Lee Hughes, is ideally situated to meet Verizon's coverage needs while maintaining compliance with all necessary setbacks and FAA regulations. He assured the board that the facility would not contribute to increased traffic, as Verizon technicians would only visit the site a few times a year for maintenance.

The board members engaged in a brief discussion before moving to approve the motion, which was supported by the findings that the project would not adversely affect adjacent properties or alter the character of the zoning district. The decision reflects the board's commitment to promoting the health, safety, and welfare of Pennsylvania County residents through enhanced communication infrastructure.