With a 3-1-1 vote, the Dawson County Board of Commissioners has approved a special use permit for Verizon Wireless, reports Dawson County News. The new structure will be an almost 200-foot tall unlighted monopole. In accordance with county ordinances, it will be able to accommodate multiple tenants. A fenced enclosure with landscaping will contain the site located near Georgia Hwy 52 and Wesley Chapel Road.
District 1 Commissioner Sharon Fausett explained that although she was not enthusiastic about the proposal, she approved it, noting that the BOC, “can’t vote against our own ordinances and our own rules and regulations.”
“I echo the same thing,” said District 4 Commissioner Emory Dooley. “It [the cell tower] is one of those things you don’t like, but if it goes any further and we turn it down, it’s going to happen…[and] it’ll cost us a lot of money with the same exact outcome.”
The commissioners fielded concerns from county residents who questioned the need for a cell tower, its placement and appearance, and potential threats to property values. Taking these concerns to heart, the final location resulted in a site 300 feet further back from the original proposal, and a height adjustment to eliminate the need for lights.
On the topic of whether or not the cell tower was necessary, Planning Director Shannon Farrell stated, “They clearly illustrated the gap in Verizon coverage…they reviewed Verizon’s sites within a five-mile radius and found that there’s not an existing structure by which a co-location could be designed that would reach the standard of the 80-percent coverage.”
After discussing the need for a new cell tower, District 2 Commissioner Chris Gaines said, “It appears based on the study that the applicant has met all of the criteria Dawson County has. However, it’s not something that’s aesthetically pleasing,” he added and askid, “Is there the ability for the board to deny it based on aesthetics?”
Aesthetics would not warrant a denial, noted legal counsel, who suggested that Dawson County and Verizon Wireless come to an agreement on the tower’s appearance, reports Dawson County News. Verizon agreed, giving Dawson County the choice of a monopine or a painted pole. Verizon rep, Greg Spence, recommended galvanized grey to blend in with the sky.
“I really would like to deny it,” said Commissioner Fausett. “I wish it would be different, but I’m going to have to make a motion that it be approved.” The majority of the commissioners aligned with Fausett to approve the permit.
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