By Peter Elacqua
Staff Writer
HOWELL – The Zoning Board of Adjustment has approved a use variance and site plan for a wireless communications facility with a monopole tower on Route 9 north near Wyckoff Mills Road in Howell.
During a Sept. 26 meeting, attorney Lynne Dunn presented an application on behalf of New York SMSA LP/Verizon Wireless, which sought municipal approval to construct a 100-foot-tall monopole. A lightning rod will bring the height of the monopole to 105 feet.
The facility will also include equipment cabinets and a natural gas generator that will operate the equipment in the event of a power outage at the location, according to testimony presented to the board.
Radio frequency engineer Margaret Lyons said a 70-foot-tall monopole was too low given the size of trees near the site, 90 feet was also not satisfactory, and 120 feet would be too tall. She said a 100-foot-tall monopole was the appropriate height.
Engineer Ron Igneri, testifying on behalf of the applicant, said the generator will be run once a week during the day for 15 to 20 minutes. He said the generator will be monitored at all times and he testified that no lighting is required for the monopole.
During public comment, one resident cited data regarding radiation waves and cancer and a possible connection to cell towers. She asked for the tower to be relocated, a request the applicant denied.
Igneri said a cell phone could expose an individual to more radiation than the person would be exposed to from the cell tower.
Board Chairman Wendell Nanson and board members John Armata, Nino Borrelli, Richard Mertens and Thomas Posch voted yes on a motion to approve the Verizon Wireless application.
Vice Chairman Daniel Cardellichio and board member Evelyn O’Donnell voted no on the motion to approve the application.
Cardellichio said he was uncomfortable with the location of the cell tower. O’Donnell did not state why she voted no on the application.