A government meeting held recently addressed a proposal for a 255-foot communication tower on a 10,000 square foot parcel of land, primarily surrounded by agricultural properties. The applicant, Ignite Wireless, represented by Andy Roten, is seeking a special exception to construct the tower, which will accommodate multiple tenants, including AT&T as the initial leasee. The proposed site is strategically located between CSX Transportation Railroad and North US Highway 17, approximately 1,400 feet from the nearest residential dwellings.

The tower aims to fill a significant gap in cellular coverage in the area, which has been described as a \"cell signal desert.\" The structure will be designed to support not only AT&T but also other major carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile, and it will include FirstNet capabilities for first responders. The design features a galvanized steel color and a gravel access road from Highway 17.

During the meeting, staff recommended forwarding the proposal to the county council for final approval, contingent upon meeting four specified conditions. However, the project requires several variances due to the narrow shape of the parcel, which prevents compliance with standard setback requirements. The applicant is requesting reductions in the required setbacks from the property lines, which are typically set at 127.5 feet for towers of this height.

Concerns were raised by local residents, particularly regarding the potential impact on nearby agricultural businesses. Andrew Narkusian, owner of a local nursery, expressed opposition to the tower's placement, citing potential disruptions to his business and a lack of communication from the tower company during the planning process. Another resident, Jeremiah Leonard, also voiced concerns about the tower's height and its implications for the community.

In response, Roten emphasized the extensive efforts made to find suitable locations for the tower, noting that this site was the only viable option after reaching out to multiple landowners in the area. He assured that the tower's design includes safety features to mitigate risks in the event of structural failure.

The meeting concluded with discussions about the broader implications of allowing such a structure on agricultural land, with some officials expressing reservations about setting a precedent for future commercial ventures in similar zones. The council is expected to deliberate further on the proposal, weighing the need for improved communication infrastructure against the concerns of local residents and the agricultural community.