Zoners nix cell tower

   The zoning board unanimously denied Omnipoint Communications’ request Wednesday to build a 150-foot cellular tower on Plainsboro Road.

By: Elaine Worden
   The zoning board unanimously denied Omnipoint Communications’ request Wednesday to build a 150-foot cellular tower on Plainsboro Road.
   The board, which declined the application of a use variance and a minor site plan, expressed concern that a large cellular tower would be unattractive and that it would set precedent allowing other applicants to locate towers elsewhere in the township.
   The board also said it was concerned that Omnipoint had not adequately addressed alternative sites or demonstrated a definite need for a tower.
   Omnipoint representatives did not comment on the board’s action at the meeting. Joseph O’Neil, attorney for Omnipoint, said Thursday afternoon that Omnipoint, which already has one tower located in Cranbury, plans to look into other options to improve cellular quality within the area. He would not comment further on the vote.
   The tower was proposed for a 6-acre site at 156 Plainsboro Road.
   Board members said they were concerned about the tower’s height and numerous other factors.
   "I think that the visual impact is very significant," board Chairman Dale Smith said Wednesday night.
   He also said that he was concerned that approving the Omnipoint plan could create an expectation among other cellular companies that Cranbury would entertain similar tower requests for other areas in the township.
   Board members said there was a lack of in-depth discussion of the alternatives raised by the board’s consultant, Christine Malone of CompComm, and that the applicant had not demonstrated the need for a tower.
   "The applicant seems to have eliminated all other possibilities unilaterally," said board member Richard F.X. Johnson.
   Mr. Johnson said that Ms. Malone had proposed reasonable alternatives.
   Ms. Malone said that the Omnipoint should have looked into other options, including the possibility of installing an antennae at the top of a steeple on one of the three Main Street churches in Cranbury.
   Ms. Malone also said there were areas in Cranbury that had gaps in cell-phone coverage, particularly where Petty Road crossed Cedar Brook and portions of Dey Road. But she also said most areas in Cranbury had strong signals both indoors and out.
   Ms. Malone said that she believed the Plainsboro Road the site would not address those problems, nor was it the best site. She said Omnipoint likely would have to put up additional towers in the area.
   Other suggestions brought up by the public and board included designing a comprehensive plan that would provide improved cellular services to all wireless users, not just to Omnipoint customers.
   Before the vote, Mr. O’Neil said there was a need for a new tower to improve the quality of in-building reception in Cranbury.
   "We have to provide a reliable standard," he said.
   Mr. O’Neil said Omnipoint’s research showed that 156 Plainsboro Road was the only suitable site that was in accordance to the township’s ordinance.