Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Telecom Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
BZA clears Verizon monopole at McKinley Tech after OP and ANC support
Summary
The Board approved a 94‑foot monopole for Verizon adjacent to McKinley Tech High School’s football field after the Office of Planning and ANC 5F recommended approval and DDOT raised no objection; the monopole will replace an existing 82‑foot light pole and include room for collocation and an emergency generator.
The Board of Zoning Adjustment approved application 21276 to allow a 94‑foot telecommunications monopole at 151 T Street NE adjacent to McKinley Tech High School’s football field.
Verizon’s representative said the monopole would replace an existing 82‑foot light standard, carry antennas near the top of the pole and provide space for two additional carriers to collocate. Network Building + Consulting witness Corinne Smallwood described photo simulations and a balloon test that indicated the pole would be minimally visible from several nearby viewpoints.
Office of Planning planner Karen Thomas told the board OP supports the application and concluded the proposal satisfies the standards in Subtitle C §1313. DDOT reported no objection and ANC 5F passed a resolution supporting the project (Exhibit 26 in the record), the applicant said.
Board members discussed collocation and whether other carriers are required to be accepted. Karen Thomas said the zoning regulations favor colocation and the applicant stated on the record that they will make space available for other carriers. The board found the proposed monopole would blend with the site by mimicking existing stadium lighting and would not adversely affect nearby residential uses; Vice Chair Carl Blake and Chairman Fred Hill gave weight to OP’s report and ANC support and voted in favor. The secretary recorded the vote as 3–0–2 to approve application 21276.
