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Board tables Arcola Towers telecom tower after resident opposition and pending reviews
Summary
After residents presented a 57‑signature petition and voiced concerns about wells, property values, health, and visual impacts, the Board voted 4‑1 to table SUP26‑0455 for a proposed wireless telecommunications tower near Red Brush Road to allow additional study and completion of pending federal/state reviews.
The Rockingham County Board of Supervisors voted on July 8 to table SUP26‑0455, a request by Arcola Towers 2, LP for a wireless telecommunications facility near the Red Brush Road and Fox Mountain Road area.
Representatives for Arcola Towers and counsel described the project and said NEPA and Section 106 reports remain pending. Several residents submitted a petition with 57 signatures and spoke in opposition citing visual impacts, potential effects on property values, concerns about well water and health, and the importance of preserving agricultural character. Resident Darrel Moubray asked whether the tower would affect neighboring wells; applicant Ryan Foltz responded the installation "will not affect neighboring wells," and counsel Jonathan Yates said tree cover should not prevent reliable cellphone service. County Attorney Thomas H. Miller framed the legal constraints facing local review, stating that "cellular communication is a necessary and expected utility" and summarizing statutory limits on the locality's authority to deny applications based on business need or proprietary information.
Citing resident concerns, pending federal/state compliance reviews, and questions about compatibility with county ordinance requirements, Supervisor Joel L. Hensley moved to table the application for additional research; the motion carried 4‑1, with Supervisor Dewey L. Ritchie voting no. The Board did not set a new date for reconsideration at the meeting; staff were directed to compile additional information and pending reports for future consideration.
