×

Special Use Permit Approved For Cell Tower In Poland

KENNEDY — Poland Zoning Board members this week unanimously approved a special use permit and height variance for the construction and operation of a new 195-foot tall cell tower.

Approval came quick for Bell Atlantic Mobile Systems LLC, represented by Nixon Peabody LLP for Verizon Wireless. Moments before Tuesday’s vote, the town Planning Board — whose members attended the zoning board meeting to help move the project along — approved the proposed site plan and then granted the approval of a negative declaration pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act.

No one from the public spoke during a public hearing by the zoning board.

The tower, 195 feet tall with an additional 4-foot lightning rod, will be located in a wooded area on Buffalo Street Extension in the town. Though no timeline was announced, its construction and operation will help surrounding cell towers that are currently overburdened, said Jared Lusk, an attorney with Nixon Peabody who was in attendance at the meeting.

“To be clear, most of the need is because your surrounding towers are overwhelmed,” Lusk said. “It’s not about new coverage — it’s really about the surrounding towers (that) are overwhelmed with traffic. The people around the tower are going to have great service; it will provide coverage around the tower, but the purpose primarily is to reduce traffic on the surrounding towers.”

A member of the planning board questioned whether the tower should include safety lights. Lusk had earlier noted that the Federal Aviation Administration requires structures in excess of 200 feet must have safety lights. Because the tower sought in Poland is less than 200 feet, lights are not required unless stipulated by local municipalities.

Lusk said many who live near cell towers also oppose lighting, which includes a strobe light during the day and a red beacon used at night.

“I suggest that you follow caution because you are going to impact neighbors more than you think with the strobe and the light,” he said.

The planning board did recommend that zoning board members discuss stipulating safety lights. The zoning board briefly discussed the matter but did not include safety lights as part of the special use permit that was later approved.

Lusk also represented Verizon for construction of a 130-foot cell tower on East Lake Road in Dewittville. That plan was approved by the Chautauqua Town Board in December 2020, though a few residents voiced opposition regarding its location among properties in the hamlet.

Like the one sought in Poland, the tower in Dewittville was deemed necessary due to other towers in the area working at capacity. Lusk explained to town board members and the public at the time that the hamlet site was chosen for its optimal transmission of cell phone service within the area.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today