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Neighbors tell Fuquay-Varina board a 195-foot tower would be ‘right in my backyard’ and worry about wildlife
Summary
Two nearby residents told the Board of Adjustment they were concerned about the visual impact, wildlife disruption and deed restrictions for a proposed 195‑foot monopole at 4813 Hilltop Needmore Road; the applicant said federal NEPA/FCC review and local site‑plan steps will address environmental and decommissioning safeguards.
Several nearby residents testified at the Fuquay‑Varina Board of Adjustment hearing, saying the proposed tower would be visible from their property and could affect wildlife.
Gregory Murray said he lives on Johnson Pond Road and questioned whether nearby towers could take additional antennas before building a new 195‑foot structure, raised deed‑restriction concerns (church and cemetery portions of the parcel) and asked about bonding and insurance for long‑term liabilities. Murray told the board he had seen online maps suggesting other towers in the region and said, "They self insure, which with any kind of l l transferable LLC, is it really can you really self insure?"
Paula Stultz said the tower would be "going right in my backyard," described resident wildlife on neighboring property (turtles, owls, hawks, deer) and asked whether a wildlife impact study had been performed. The applicant replied that federal NEPA and FCC review — including Fish and Wildlife Service evaluation — is part of the federal licensing process and that Fish and Wildlife approval letters are part of that record.
Board members acknowledged the neighbors’ concerns and asked the applicant to confirm required recordings (for example, the decommissioning plan) during the administrative site‑plan review; the board approved the special‑use permit but review of final site‑plan details may surface further mitigation measures for visibility, buffering and site access.
