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Planning commission recommends Verizon monopole with lighting condition after safety and aesthetics debate
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a special-use permit for a 139-foot Verizon monopole at 10566 Brookmeel Highway, adding a condition for safety lighting after commissioners raised concerns about proximity to the Brookneal airport approach and visibility from Route 501.
The Campbell County Planning Commission voted to recommend a special-use permit for a Verizon Wireless monopole proposed at 10566 Brookmeel (Parcel 74-5-2A), after the applicant agreed to accept a condition requiring safety lighting.
Laurie Schweller, an attorney with Williams Mullen representing Verizon Wireless, told the commission the proposal is for a 135-foot monopole with a 4-foot lightning rod (139 feet total) sited on a roughly 6.2-acre parcel with a 100-by-100-foot lease area. "Because of the existing trees, the existing trees will screen the ground equipment," Schweller said, noting the balloon-test photo simulations show minimal visibility thanks to tree cover. Schweller also said the height was selected to avoid extended FAA study while providing necessary handoff coverage between two existing Verizon sites.
Commissioners and residents pressed for more than a minimum condition after the public hearing closed. A commissioner said he was uncomfortable with a tall structure "right beside the road" and near the airport approach, and raised concerns about student pilots and nighttime operations. Schweller responded that Verizon had performed an air-safety study and that the 139-foot height was conservative for avoiding lighting and extended FAA review. The applicant offered to accept a lighting condition, and the maker of the motion amended the recommendation to include that requirement.
The commission's recommendation — including the lighting condition — will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for a May 5 public hearing. Staff's written report said the request is generally consistent with the comprehensive plan and recommended approval with conditions tying use to the narrative and site plan.
