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Board of Appeals approves T‑Mobile antenna on water tank at 1725 Chapel Road
Summary
On March 5, 2026, the Havre de Grace Board of Appeals approved a conditional use to add a small telecommunications extension pod and supporting equipment to the city’s water tank at 1725 Chapel Road to improve service for a future residential area and emergency responders.
On March 5, 2026, the Havre de Grace Board of Appeals approved a conditional use permit to install a small telecommunications extension pod and supporting equipment on the existing water tank at 1725 Chapel Road.
Eric Lawrence of the Department of Planning told the board the staff report (available on the city calendar) recommends approval "per section 25-16-16(e) of the city code," based on the analysis in the report. "The Department of Planning has a recommendation," he said, and pointed members to the written findings.
Applicant representative Kevin Fremming of SmartLink, appearing on behalf of T‑Mobile, described the proposal as a short "extension pod" on top of the tank rather than a separate tower. "It's only 15 feet tall from the top of the existing tank to the very top of our highest appurtenance," he said, and added the company provided plans and photo simulations showing the appearance.
According to the applicant, ground equipment would sit on a concrete pad and be fenced to match the existing tank enclosure. Fremming described a 10-by-15 concrete pad for the outdoor cabinets that would contain fiber and power connections, and said the applicant is depicting an emergency backup generator on the plans but would not necessarily install it with the initial build. A meeting participant cited "48 kilowatt" as a generator figure "off the top of my head"; the applicant said the generator would only run during power outages and offered to perform a noise study if the board required one. The plans were also described in one exchange as listing a 10-by-20 pad; the record contains both dimensions.
A board member moved to grant the conditional use for case 559 and another board member seconded. The board voted by voice; multiple members responded "Aye," and the chair announced approval of the request.
The approval allows T‑Mobile’s proposed antenna pod and associated ground equipment at 1725 Chapel Road subject to the conditions and standards in the staff report and city code. The staff report and photo simulations are available on the city website; the board did not request additional testimony on procedural compliance because the staff report indicated required notifications and postings were completed.
The board closed the hearing on that case and proceeded to other business.
