Planning commission recommends 195-foot Verizon tower to Board following public hearing

The Northumberland County Planning Commission voted Feb. 19 to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve a conditional use permit for a 195-foot monopole telecommunications tower proposed by Vertical Bridge and Verizon Wireless on property leased from Anthony Mangano on Movie Hall Lane.

Lisa Murphy, counsel for Vertical Bridge and Verizon Wireless, told commissioners the proposal would locate a 195-foot galvanized-steel monopole — with a 4-foot lightning rod and room for two additional carriers — inside a 50-by-50-foot fenced compound on a 4.35-acre parcel used by Rappahannock Millwork Company. "The proposed telecommunications tower meets the requirements of the county zoning ordinance, and is consistent with the goals and objectives of the county's comprehensive plan," Murphy said, tying the project to plan goals for broadband and emergency communications.

Murphy emphasized technical factors driving the requested height: existing tree canopy and topography prevent a 100-foot tower from delivering the coverage engineers are seeking. She said fiber and utilities would be provided by a 30-foot non-exclusive easement, the facility would operate unmanned 24/7 and would comply with FAA and FCC rules, and Vertical Bridge proffered a county equipment space below 150 feet plus a 10-by-10 ground area at no rent (the county would need to sign a lease and perform its own installation).

During the public comment period the landowner and applicant, Tony Mangano, said local residents have long experienced poor service and supported the tower as an improvement for everyday use and emergencies: "the thing that'll be given to the community is worth a lot more to me," he said. Several nearby residents questioned height and safety. Jamika Campbell, who lives on Movie Hall Lane, asked whether the photos shown were recent and urged the commission to limit any tower to 100 feet, arguing a taller structure would present a collapse risk to nearby houses and new construction: "If you do allow them to do it, I would say only allow them to do it at a 100 feet."

Applicant representatives and technical staff responded to questions about foundation depth, routes for fiber, and wildlife protections. They said geotechnical borings and foundation drawings will be required at the building-permit stage and that work affecting nesting osprey would have to avoid breeding season. On coverage, presenters noted that FCC power limits, frequency bands, terrain and vegetation affect range and that the proposed location and height were selected to meet service objectives.

After discussion, an unnamed commissioner moved to forward the application to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation to approve based on the administrative record, public input, public health and safety considerations, and good zoning practices; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

The Board of Supervisors will receive the commission's recommendation at a forthcoming meeting; staff said the application will be advertised for that Board agenda. The planning commission's action was a recommendation; final approval rests with the Board of Supervisors.