Council leans against 'tree' monopole; cites maintenance and visibility concerns

Point Pleasant Beach’s governing body discussed final design guidance for a proposed Verizon monopole sited south of the borough water tower, with members weighing a tree-like camouflage against a plain monopole.

Borough staff and the borough attorney explained that the lease for the monopole has been finalized and that Verizon will seek a planning-board courtesy review as part of the municipal-review process. Several council members raised concerns that a tree-style monopole would be more expensive, complicate maintenance and could appear out of place in the location identified. One council member cited Rumson’s experience with a tree-style pole that later required trimming and repainting.

Others acknowledged the aesthetic benefit of camouflage but said the structure would stand out because of its isolated location and nearby views. Some council members also noted potential environmental limitations (for example, nesting birds might block work if a tree-like design encouraged roosting), and maintenance access for carriers and municipal staff was called out as a practical constraint.

The council’s working guidance at the meeting favored a plain monopole (no ‘tree’ façade) for functionality and ease of maintenance; staff will attach that design guidance to the lease and Verizon’s planning-board submission. Final approval requires the planning-board review and any required municipal permits. No formal ordinance was passed at this meeting; the governing body discussed terms that will be recorded as part of the lease documentation prior to the planning-board application.