Ashwaubenon committee approves site plan to replace aging standpipe with 100-foot monopole

ASHWAUBENON, Wis. — The Village of Ashwaubenon Site Plan Review Committee on Jan. 7 approved a site plan to remove an aging standpipe at 2634 Babcock Road and replace it with a new 100-foot monopole designed to host three wireless providers.

Aaron, the village presenter, told the committee the existing standpipe "has reached a point where it's structurally unsound and has to be removed," and that the proposed monopole would accommodate three carriers at heights of 75 feet, 85 feet and 95 feet, with space for a potential fourth at 65 feet. He said the enclosure and surrounding vegetation would remain in place.

The presenter said a neighborhood meeting was held Dec. 10, 2024, and that two neighbors attended; the only concern raised was a backup-generator low-fuel alarm that has been disturbing nearby residents. "There are no concerns about the proposal to remove the standpipe and replace with a monopole tower," Aaron said.

Committee members asked whether the project required airport approval. Aaron responded that because the structure would exceed 50 feet and lies in Airport Zone C, an airport permit is required and staff believe the applicant is in the process of obtaining it.

The committee moved and voted to recommend approval of the site plan for the tower; the chair announced the motion carried. Staff noted that, should the site plan be approved by this committee, a conditional-use permit will still be required and the matter will go to the Plan Commission and Village Board for final decisions.

Next steps: the project will proceed through the conditional-use permitting process and must secure any required airport permits before construction can proceed. The committee did not record a roll-call vote tally in the transcript; the minutes show the motion was carried.