Board unanimously approves special‑use permit for 185‑foot telecommunications monopole in Harriet's Bluff

The Camden County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a special‑use permit to allow a 185‑foot monopole telecommunications tower on a parcel in District 2 on Harriet's Bluff Road.

Cassie, a county planning staff member, told the board the site plan shows a 100‑by‑100‑foot compound and an access easement to Harriet's Bluff Road. The county planning commission recommended approval.

Andy Rotenstryke, representing Tarpon Towers and Verizon, told the board the tower had received prior approval in February 2020 but the permit had expired due to inactivity. "We're asking for this board again to please approve the exact same request that was approved in February 2020," he said, adding that the pole will be a single‑pole design built to accommodate future collocation by other carriers.

Mr. Rotenstryke said the top of the pole will likely be visible above trees in some views during the day but that the tower was reduced below the 200‑foot FAA lighting threshold to avoid night lighting. He described the compound as fenced and locked and said the design intentionally places the pole near an existing power‐line easement so the structure is not an isolated use in the area.

Neighbors who spoke at the public hearing raised concerns about property values and health effects; the applicant said those matters are not considered under state and federal law and offered published studies indicating no measurable negative effect on nearby property values. Commissioners asked about safety in hurricanes and the applicant described engineering features and setbacks intended to keep a failed pole within the fenced compound.

After the hearing the board moved, seconded and voted to approve the special‑use permit; the motion carried unanimously.