Commission forwards favorable recommendation for 199‑foot telecom monopole near Millington

The Kent County Planning Commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the Board of Appeals for Network Towers LLC to construct and operate a 199‑foot monopole telecommunications tower on the Simpkins farm east of Millington.

Staff said the site, a forested and farmland area, is strategically sited to reduce visibility and would be unmanned except for monthly maintenance visits. The applicant presented coverage analysis showing existing towers were too distant to resolve a local coverage gap; the monopole would accommodate an anchor tenant and up to three additional colocated carriers. Staff also reported receipt of a letter from the Millington Volunteer Fire Company supporting the proposal, noting the tower would improve emergency communications along MD 291.

Public comment raised questions about the NEPA environmental review, wildlife impacts, radiofrequency emissions and the adequacy of outreach notices to surrounding landowners. Applicant representatives said a Phase 1 NEPA assessment had been submitted and the full NEPA report would be completed as required by FCC/NEPA procedures before any construction; they said radio‑frequency emission levels would comply with federal limits and that a radio‑frequency engineering report was on record. The applicant confirmed the structural design would accommodate up to four carriers, that the company would be contractually responsible for removal and site restoration if necessary, and that the NEPA process must be completed prior to FCC licensing and construction.

After discussion, the commission voted to forward a favorable recommendation to the Board of Appeals; one commissioner abstained from the recommendation vote.