Residents say they were not notified after county approved setback waiver for proposed 300‑foot tower

At the May meeting of the Nottoway County Board of Supervisors, Theresa Hines, who said she owns property at 6039 Old Nottoway Road, told the board she discovered flagged stakes indicating the location of a proposed 300‑foot telecommunications tower near her property line and that she had not received mailed notice of the project or the earlier February hearing.

"I just recently discovered that you plan to put a 300 foot tower very close to where our property line meets," Hines said, and she asked the board to "reconsider and rescind the setback waiver until all matters can be appropriately heard and discussed." Hines told supervisors she paid for a survey and only then saw blue and orange flags that placed the tower about 33 feet from her property line.

Another resident who spoke during public comment said the family only recently learned of the proposed tower and urged the board to consider potential long‑term health effects on children and animals and to require a comprehensive health and environmental impact assessment before approving placement near homes and day cares. The resident requested clearer, transparent notification procedures for adjacent property owners.

Board members acknowledged the complaint and discussed whether public materials had been posted and mailed. One supervisor asked county staff whether materials were available to the public before the hearing; staff replied the hearing had been advertised and that copies were made available to the county. Supervisors suggested meeting with affected residents and reviewing the notice and waiver procedures before final action.

The speakers and residents at the meeting asked the board to pause formal approvals and ensure affected property owners receive direct notice and that alternatives and mitigation — including alternative sites away from residences and schools — be considered before any tower construction begins.