Board approves 195‑foot Verizon cell tower in Red Oak after mixed public comment

Charlotte County approved a conditional use permit for a 195‑foot Verizon wireless tower on a 52‑acre parcel off Barnesville Highway after staff and the applicant described coverage gaps and emergency‑communications benefits.

Planning staff (Ms. Elder) told the board the parcel meets setbacks and screening requirements and that the planning commission recommended approval in a 9–0 vote. Lisa Murphy, counsel for the applicant, said the site requires about 10,000 square feet of leased area and will be built to accommodate Verizon plus three additional collocators. "Today, over 80% of 9 1 1 calls are made from wireless phones as well," Murphy said, arguing the project supports emergency communications and economic development.

Several nearby landowners urged denial at the public hearing. Stephen Bush, who said he owns about 200 acres roughly 1.5 miles south of the site, said the plan is incompatible with the rural character and that 30‑foot Leyland cypress will not adequately screen a nearly 200‑foot tower: "The installation of the tower is not compatible with the rural character of the local area," he said. Dennis Weston and Edward Rollins also said the tower would be highly visible from homes and asked the board to require relocation or stronger mitigation.

After discussion the district liaison (speaker 6) and other supervisors said the tower would fill a known coverage gap on Route 15. The board moved and approved the 2232 review and the conditional use permit by voice vote.