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Verizon proposes 50-foot utility pole and microcell near Big Indian Fire Company; ZBA sets June 17 hearing
Summary
Verizon has asked the Town of Shandaken Zoning Board of Appeals for variance relief to install a roughly 47–50-foot wooden utility pole with a small 'can' antenna near the Big Indian Fire Company to fill cellular coverage gaps along Route 28; the board scheduled a public hearing for June 17 at 6:45 a.m.
James LaValle, an attorney representing Verizon Wireless, told the Town of Shandaken Zoning Board of Appeals on May 20 that Verizon wants to install a roughly 47–50-foot wooden utility pole near the Big Indian Fire Company carrying a small 'can' (microcell) antenna to improve service along Route 28. "Route 28 has significant gaps in coverage," LaValle said, arguing the proposed installation is meant to fill short-range coverage holes and improve 911 service.
LaValle explained that under the town’s telecommunications law macro and micro sites are not differentiated and that standard setback rules were written for large towers. He described the engineering-necessity materials in the bound submission and said the proposed microcell would provide about 0.3–0.5 miles of coverage depending on topography. LaValle noted there is an executed ground lease with the fire company and offered photo simulations and detailed site drawings for the board to review.
Board members asked questions about coordination and safety. LaValle said Verizon is coordinating with Ulster County and County Planning and emphasized the public-safety case, saying improved cellular coverage helps first responders and 911 access. On technical limits, he told the board that the vertical space on a 50-foot utility pole is constrained by associated equipment so the prime antenna mount will typically be used by the initial carrier; he said that makes sharing the pole with another carrier unlikely without redesign.
Following discussion, the board voted to schedule a public hearing on Verizon’s application for the next monthly meeting, June 17, at 6:45 a.m. LaValle also asked whether a Section 239 referral to Ulster County Planning would be required; the board confirmed a county referral is appropriate when a project lies within 500 feet of a municipal road. The board asked Verizon to provide updated drawings showing exact distances to the road, photo simulations and any additional materials the board or county planning requests.
