If approved by Brick Township, NJ, Verizon could start work on its proposed 90-foot monopole on the grounds of the local firehouse. The new communications tower would benefit both Verizon customers, and township police and fire municipal operations. According to JerseyShoreOnline.com, plans could also include the installation of a microwave dish. A nearby lattice tower currently hosting equipment for emergency personnel would be replaced by the new Verizon cell tower.
Occupying the grounds of the historic Pioneer Hose Co., the proposal calls for an enclosed 20 by 30 foot compound to house the new structure. Support equipment for the tower includes room for an emergency 30 kw diesel generator. Engineer James Murawski added that the equipment would be placed atop a steel platform, 12.5 feet by 16 feet, elevated to two feet above grade in order to satisfy flood zone requirements.
A use variance and both preliminary and a major site plan approval must be granted by the Board of Adjustment before the project can proceed, noted Verizon attorney, Rich Stanzione. “So the purpose for this facility is not just for Verizon Wireless, it’s also for purposes of the municipal services,” he said.
Without the variance, there will not be enough room to install the tower in the allotted space. For example, township rules call for a 25 foot setback but the Verizon proposal cuts that distance to 19.7 feet. Coverage requirements dictate that allowable limits are 30 percent, and the property is already at 32 percent coverage, which would become 35% once the tower is completed.
The matter will be brought up for further discussion at the next Board of Adjustment meeting in June.
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