Planning commission recommends AT&T co‑location on elevated tank with fencing and landscaping conditions

The Mount Airy Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of an AT&T co‑location and pad‑site installation at elevated water tank number two, with conditions requiring slats be added to the existing perimeter fence and reasonable native vegetation be installed outside the fence to screen the compound.

Barney, who presented the project on behalf of the applicant, described the proposal to use the existing equipment ring near the top of the tank and to locate a small pad shelter and a sound‑enclosed generator at the tank base. "They were able to put that equipment on that same ring that exists today," Barney said, explaining the carrier coordinated to avoid a new antenna ring on the tank.

Commissioners focused on potential generator noise, visual screening and who would install and maintain the screening on town property. Town attorney Tom advised that conditions could be framed and later folded into the lease terms the council would approve. Commissioner Hadley and others sought assurances about containment for fuel tanks and weekly generator test cycles; engineering staff confirmed typical belly tanks with secondary containment and weekly test runs.

The motion to approve included two conditions: installation of fence slats along the existing chain‑link and coordination with the planning and zoning administrator on reasonable native vegetation outside the perimeter. The motion carried on a voice vote.

Next steps: staff will incorporate the conditions and the referenced AT&T site plan into the approval record and coordinate lease terms and maintenance responsibilities with town legal counsel and council as part of the lease process.