Planning board renews several rooftop/cell-site permits and approves AT&T rooftop upgrade; one Verizon renewal tabled

The City of Kingston Planning Board on March 17 moved several telecommunications items forward.

Renewals: The board approved five-year renewal terms for special-permit renewals to operate rooftop cellular antennas at multiple sites, including Stewart's Shop locations and other rooftop installations where carriers and property owners had applied for renewals. Staff explained these renewals are administrative under the form-based code when there are no changes in use or equipment and that the five-year term aligns with typical lease cycles for rooftop antenna installations.

Tabled item: The board tabled a Verizon application for 449 Brookley Street (an application involving 12 antennas) after staff requested up-to-date plans and a structural assessment. Planning Director Suzanne King said earlier submitted drawings were dated 2022 and that Verizon would provide current as-built drawings and an updated structural report showing the building can support the existing and proposed equipment. The board closed the public hearing but tabled action until Verizon supplies the documentation.

AT&T upgrade: Representatives for AT&T described an upgrade to rooftop equipment at 105 Mary's Avenue that would add three antennas (one per existing sector), surge suppressors and power cabling and would modify equipment in a rooftop shelter. Staff said the project is an equipment upgrade on an existing rooftop installation; the board approved the application with a five-year term and the usual condition that carriers return sooner if ownership, equipment or other material changes occur.

Board members emphasized the need for accurate, current structural reports and clear equipment inventories for colocation sites. Planning staff said they would withhold final administrative sign-offs until the applicants provide the requested structural assessments and updated plan sets.