JACKSON – The Jackson Planning Board has approved the construction of a new communications tower on Don Connor Boulevard.
During a meeting on Aug. 21, attorney Laura Benson and engineer Jeff Nagorny represented Ocean County, which has a plan to build a 195-foot-tall communications tower for public use on a 2-acre parcel at 38 Don Connor Blvd. in Jackson.
The county’s proposal indicated two receiving antennas at the top of the tower and two transmitting antennas. If Jackson officials want to use the communication system, the tower will require an additional transmitting antenna, according to information provided to the board.
“It is a communications tower strictly for public entity use, there will be no private space on this tower,” Benson said.
There will be county antennas on the tower for police, fire and emergency services communications, and for other public uses such as the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.
A 12-foot by 24-foot shelter will hold equipment associated with the operation of the tower. Nagorny said there will be an 8-kilowatt diesel generator on the site.
Although the standard procedure in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations is to place lights on a tower that exceeds 200 feet, board members recommended that lights be placed on the tower even though it does not exceed 200 feet in height.
Robert Bruno, the division director of wireless technology for Ocean County, said that with respect to lights on a tower, there is a process to be followed.
Bruno said that after the application receives all of the necessary approvals, the FAA will coordinate with the Federal Communications Commission to determine whether lights are required.
Township Councilman Ken Bressi, who sits on the board, took exception to the possibility that lights might not be required on the tower.
“I understand there are requirements and (that lights may not be required), but for a little bit of extra safety, the tower is 195 feet and not 200 feet, what the heck is the problem with a couple of flashing lights?” Bressi asked.
Bruno said if Jackson officials want lights on the tower, the county “will put lights on it regardless of the outcome of the determination.”
Board member Diana Brunner asked if there was a way to use the tower to improve cell phone service in Jackson.
“I thoroughly understand what you are saying about it being public property. It is owned by the county and it is going to be for public services,” Brunner told the county’s representatives.
“I do not know the logistics, I do not know the engineering behind towers … but playing devil’s advocate, is there not any possibility for the county to rent space and also earn income for the county and perhaps benefit the residents of Jackson?” Brunner asked.
Benson said the short answer to Brunner’s question is no because renting space on the tower would be a private enterprise with private lease options and there may only be enough space on the tower for emergency services and other county services.
Following the presentation from the county’s representatives, the board members unanimously approved the application for the new communications tower.