Board approves Verizon antenna replacement at Genesee Street hotel

The Town Board granted a special-use permit for Verizon Wireless to replace two antennas on the roof of a hotel at 4325 Genesee Street.

Attorney Jared Lusk of Nixon Peabody said the application is an "eligible facilities request" and that the planned work — removing two 8-foot antennas and installing two like-sized replacements — does not change the facility’s footprint or increase intensity. Lusk asked the board to handle the application on the consent agenda. Board members discussed the potential for negative comments from external agencies and the possibility that a supermajority might be required for a subsequent vote if comments required changes. After discussion the board voted unanimously to grant the special-use permit (Res. 2025-445).

Why it matters Replacement-in-kind requests for wireless equipment are common and often treated as administrative; approval removes a source of uncertainty for the carrier and allows the operator to maintain or improve service without enlarging the facility’s physical profile.

What the record shows The applicant represented the work as in-kind replacement; the town planner and attorney were consulted about the 30-day notice and external comments. The board approved the permit on a roll-call vote with no members recorded as opposed.

Next steps Planning staff to file the special-use permit and administrative paperwork for the record.