Verizon Wireless and Optima Towers Tuesday cleared a zoning hurdle in North Carolina to build a 195-foot cell tower. Despite residents’ concerns about health hazards and environmental issues, the Onslow County Board of Adjustments voted unanimously in favor of three out of four standards, granting a special use permit.
According to the Jacksonville Daily News, those four standards stated that the tower must not materially endanger the public’s health or safety; it cannot substantially injure the value of abutting property or is a public necessity; the tower must be in harmony with the surrounding area and in general conformity with the County Comprehensive Plan; and meet all required special use standards and specifications.
The standard for the tower being ‘in harmony with the surrounding area,’ was the only one the board did not achieve a unanimous vote of approval on.
“We are delighted that the board voted overwhelmingly in favor of the construction of the tower. We are pleased we were able to meet all of the county’s requirements and that the members weighed their decisions based on the merits of the facts,” said Optima Spokesman Bryan Hunter. “The presence of this tower will greatly improve the digital services and quality of life of the Hubert community, and we look forward to serving the community’s residents and businesses.”
Verizon and Optima must now submit their building plans to the county and wait for building permit approval.
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