Objectors take their shots
at cellular tower proposal
MARLBORO — As the public hearing on a plan to build a cellular communications tower on Brush Neck Road continued, the possibility of an alternate site was raised.
Testimony on the application filed by Sprint Spectrum for a monopole tower resumed at the zoning board’s Nov. 20 meeting. Sprint Spectrum is proposing the construction of a 150-foot-tall monopole tower in a residential zone on Brush Neck Road. The applicant has said the tower would provide service in a "gap" in Marlboro.
A variance from the zoning board is required because a communications tower is not a permitted use in a residential zone.
Some frustration with the process surfaced during an exchange between zoning board Chairwoman Sherry Hoffer and Steven Hambro, the applicant’s attorney.
"The problem here is that for so long, we only get 40 minutes and you forget what you ask," Hambro said, referring to the length of time the application has been before the board.
"I don’t think I ever forget what I ask," Hoffer replied. "Although it is a short period of time, the board is bending over backward to accommodate this application."
Hambro said his comments were not directed at zoning board members, but rather at the length of the process.
Concerned members of the public, as well as attorney Gerald N. Sonnenblick, representing Diamond Estates and Emerald Estates, were present for the hearing. The two developments represented by Sonnenblick are scheduled to be built in the vicinity of Brush Neck Road.
Project planner James Miller of Morristown reiterated the applicant’s support for a "silo option" in the tower’s construction. As explained at a previous meeting, the silo would be used hide the tower and mitigate the structure’s perceived negative impact on the area.
"People have a positive image of agriculture," Miller said in describing the silo.
Resident Mabel Gawley questioned Miller’s method of evaluating the aesthetic impact of the proposed tower.
"Did you ever come on to my property to gauge the possible impact of this tower?" Gawley asked.
Miller said he had not done that.
During questioning of Miller by Sonnenblick, a possible alternate site for the tower on School Road East was discussed. Sonnenblick said the alternate site was a golf course owned by Gary Veshara of Marlboro.
Miller said Veshara’s property is outside of Sprint’s search area for the tower and said if a tower were to be built on the golf course, it would have to be 200 feet tall. Miller said he did not believe the idea of a silo covering the tower would work as well on a golf course as it would on the site on Brush Neck Road.
Zoning officer Sarah Paris said the golf course is in an R-80 residential zone and the tower would need a variance on that property as well.
Testimony on the Sprint Spectrum application is expected to continue during a special session of the board on Nov. 29.