Verizon tower application clears ZBA; Planning Board conditions landscaping review, approves $500 escrow for design consultation

The Planning Board reviewed a site‑plan application for a Verizon communications monopole at 121 Parker Avenue following several area and use variances granted by the Zoning Board.

Attorney Scott Olsen and project consultant Steve Grama told the board the ZBA granted the necessary variances and that the applicant revised the site plan to add extensive planting along the northern property line facing the rail trail. The revised plan shows 22 Green Giant arborvitae on the northern boundary and 16 additional evergreen plantings on the eastern property line, plus other plantings in a small landscape island.

Board members and staff said they supported screening the tower and associated equipment but asked for greater species diversity instead of a single long row of arborvitae. Board consultant Chris and others said a mixed hedge and layered planting can provide year‑round screening and better biodiversity for the rail‑trail edge. The board discussed deer browse and noted some plant choices can be susceptible to deer.

To fund a brief advisory session with the city’s design consultant (to propose alternative plant mixes and spacing), the board approved a motion to set up an applicant escrow of $500 to cover a short consultative review. The motion carried without recorded opposition.

Because the project had been re‑referred to the county for final comment, staff said the board would formalize any conditions after the county response is returned. In the meeting the board emphasized it expects a planted, durable screen along the rail trail that the city and neighbors find acceptable.