A proposed 100′ monopole for a cell tower on the backside of the Barre Hill Fire Company property is on the agenda for Whitemarsh Township’s Zoning Hearing Board on August 9th at 7:00 p.m.
The applicant is seeking zoning relief due to regulations that prevent this type of commercial activity in the Village Commercial Zoning District. Obtaining a variance would permit such a use. The second issue is that the tower would be within 500′ of homes (residential uses). The backside of the Barren Hill Fire Company is adjacent to homes (see picture at top). The third issue is a technical issue involving ground mounted equipment.
Some neighbors are in opposition to the proposal due to its proximity to their homes. and have organized a petition against it.
Here is the text of the agenda item:
ZHB#2017-01: Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless, 647 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA; Parcel #65-00-04279-00-3; Block 022; Unit 014; VC-1 Village Commercial SubDistrict 1. The Applicant proposes to construct a 100’ monopole with a 5’ lightening rod at the Property Location, the site of Barren Hill Fire Company. A 50’ by 50’ fenced compound is also proposed to house the associated accessory equipment. The following relief is requested: 1. Variance from Section 116-302.A.(1) to allow the facility in the VC Village Commercial District and to be within 500’ of a lot in residential use or a residential district boundary. 2. Variance from Section 116-302.A.(4)(c) to allow the facility to be within 500’ of a lot in residential use or a residential district boundary. 3. Variance from Section 116-302.G.(1) to allow the installation of ground-mounted equipment above ground. This Application was
continued from the June 13, 2018 hearing.