Planning commission finds Vertical Bridge/Verizon tower proposal consistent with Franklin County comprehensive plan

The Franklin County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors find a proposed Vertical Bridge (Towers LLC) and Verizon Wireless communications facility in substantial conformance with the countys 2045 comprehensive plan.

Staff presenter Lisa Cooper described the project as a monopole communications tower sited on about 21.259 acres off Cherry Lane with a fenced 50-by-50 compound, a 12-foot access gate and a 30-foot utility easement. "Verizon Wireless would like to propose to construct a 190 foot, self supporting monopole communication tower," Cooper said, noting a 4-inch lightning rod and structural design to accommodate multiple carriers. Cooper told commissioners staff received seven inquiries, including opposition, and recommended approval if four conditions and design guidelines are met, including that Vertical Bridge post a county-approved bond guaranteeing removal if the tower is abandoned for six months or more.

Anthony Bologna, counsel for Vertical Bridge, said the tower is designed for an anchor tenant (Verizon) and to allow space for three additional carriers. "The tower height is a 195 feet with a 4 foot lightning rod bringing it total to a 199 feet to the highest [point]," Bologna said, adding the site is heavily wooded and the tower is galvanized to blend into the skyline.

Commissioners questioned whether the county can require free co-location for emergency services. Jose Silva, representing Vertical Bridge/Verizon, said they have previously negotiated limited ground space for emergency communications and that decisions about free space would be made by the tower owner; he told the commission "we can agree with that right now" to provide a modest ground-space allocation but said free vertical positions on the tower may conflict with carrier priorities. County counsel advised there are statutory limits on conditioning approvals based on a wireless providers agreement to allow other entities to operate on the facility.

During public comment several residents urged caution. Cynthia Booth said a nearby private road and the rural character of the area make the location inappropriate, citing concerns over property values and wildlife. "We moved there knowing that we were living in a dead zone," Booth said, asking whether existing towers had been fully considered. John Whitlow, a nearby landowner, said he supported the tower to ensure his 70-year-old mother could reach emergency services.

Commissioner (speaker 8) moved to find the proposal consistent with Virginia Code §15.2-2232 and the countys comprehensive-plan policies, including the four staff-recommended conditions; the motion was seconded and passed in a roll call that recorded six ayes and one absence. The Planning Commission will forward its recommendation to the Board of Supervisors; a board hearing date was announced for September 15.