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Board approves 20-foot extension to Kelly Road cell tower after residents and board debate noise, sight lines and safety
Summary
After a contentious debate about visual impact, generator noise and emergency 911 coverage gaps, the board approved a request from Verizon to add a 20-foot extension to the communications tower on Kelly Road with conditions on noise mitigation and documentation of lease terms.
The Resort Improvement District Board approved a request from Verizon to add a 20-foot extension to the communications tower on Kelly Road following public comment and a divided board discussion.
Proposal and staff review: Verizon said the extension and collocated equipment are intended to improve cellular coverage in the district, which staff and residents said would improve the ability to place 911 calls in areas that currently lack service. Verizon provided coverage simulations and an acoustic analysis concluding the proposed equipment and any required backup generator would meet county noise standards.
Public concerns: Dozens of residents — particularly those who live near the tower — raised concerns about additional height, new backup generators, lighting, visual intrusion and low-frequency noise (vibration) from generators. Several long-time residents urged the board to prioritize public-safety coverage but requested stronger mitigation measures for noise and sight lines. One commenter cited county setback and permitting rules and asked how the proposal complies with local code.
Board discussion and conditions: Board members acknowledged the competing priorities: improved cellular and emergency coverage vs. impacts on nearby neighbors. Directors asked Verizon to provide additional detail on why alternative sites would not meet coverage objectives and whether a new or disguised monopine tower on the parcel would be feasible (Verizon and its RF engineer said the proposed extension provides the best coverage given terrain and collocation constraints). The board directed staff to negotiate noise-dampening measures around any generator and to gather leasing-comparison data so the district can confirm market compensation for collocated carriers.
Vote and outcome: The board approved Verizon's request to add the 20-foot extension, with the company to proceed through the county permitting process and to include noise mitigation (acoustic enclosure and vibration/dampening measures), and staff to seek comparable lease data for future negotiations. The approval was contingent on permit approval by the county.
Ending: Board members said they will ask Verizon to return with final lease terms for legal review and to present documentation of the acoustic and coverage analyses to the community. The county permitting and environmental review processes remain the controlling approvals.
