Verizon Cell Tower Gets Town OK But Thumbs Down From Locals

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The North Ridgeville, Ohio town council recently voted in favor of TowerCo’s request to construct a new Verizon cell tower, reports ChronicleT.com.  Although the resident’s representatives approved construction, local ordinances now are giving some of them second thoughts.  Because the approved parcel of land is owned by the city, the ordinance dictating a 750-foot setback does not apply. If built, the new 180-foot monopole would be approximately 450 feet away from the nearest home, with approximately 60 houses within the 750-foot radius.

Resident Joshua Hughes said, “It’s frustrating that just because the city owns the parcel that they can pretty much do whatever they want on it.  Why is this the only location for the cell phone tower?”

Jason Woodward of TowerCo, responded there were very few options available, as proximity to city hall was not possible.  “We initiated a search ring from the carrier that tells us to implement the site within a certain zone. There are existing cell towers already in place that are surrounding this area which we have to, what we call, ‘thread the needle’” for coverage that meets the need for that cell tower, said Woodward.    

Speaking in favor of Verizon and Towerco, attorney Jim Matthews, advised the site would have $1 million worth of general liability insurance, including indemnity provisions to protect the city from environmental concerns and liability issues. A surety bond was also issued to ensure the tower does not represent a financial risk to the city.

The proposed tower is low enough that additional lighting is not required. There would be a backup generator at the base, as well as timed lighting for maintenance, but no constant light source to disturb the neighbors, according to Matthews.  

Law enforcement and emergency services personnel see the new tower as a good thing.  In a statement read by Deputy Clerk Donna Tjotjos, Safety Service Director Jeff Armbruster said, “The need for a tower at this location is imperative for first responders and two-way radio service.  Data in this location is not up to the level it needs to be for emergency services, and by placing Verizon at this location, [we] will remedy that level of communication.” Comments? Email us.  

December 4, 2018