A proposal to build a new, 175-foot monopole nicknamed “Frosty,” will go before the Jackson County commissioners for approval during a quasi-judicial hearing on Tuesday, February 26, reported the Smoky Mountain News.
Jackson County Planning Director Michael Poston said that his office has been working with the applicant, Capital Telecom, for the last few years leading up to the company’s recent decision to move forward with the project. The proposed site sits on a 5.4-acre property owned by the Loyal Order of the Moose, reported the News.
According to projected coverage maps, the new tower is expected to significantly increase cell reception in Sylva and the Fisher Creek area for Verizon customers and the tower will have the ability to co-locate up to four antennas.
During the upcoming hearing, commissioners will listen to evidence to decide whether or not the application complies with county ordinance concerning the installation of cell towers. A balloon test has already been completed, and that’s usually when the planning department hears from residents who oppose the tower.
According to Poston, “To my knowledge, our office hasn’t received any calls about that. Sometimes we do. It’s always tough to gauge if folks will show up or not.”
Capital Telecom intends to lease the area containing the tower for an initial term of 15 years, with an option to extend for up to five additional five-year terms.
According to tower designer Sabre Industries, it is “highly unlikely” that the monopole would fail as the result of high wind speeds, and if it were to fail the monopole would buckle so that its upper portion leaned over “in a permanently deformed condition.” The fall zone would, therefore, be 65 feet, a distance accounted for in the size of the fence and land leased, reported the News. Comments? Email Us.
February 25, 2019
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