Public Input Wanted in Holmdel Cell Tower Plans

Verizon Wireless is proposing a 130- to 140-foot faux tree cell tower on the Porter Farm property in Holmdel, and now the company is looking for public input.

A February public hearing for a proposed faux tree cell tower on Porter Farm quickly unraveled when residents and Holmdel Planning Board members questioned possible tower heights.

The tower, which would sit off of Middletown Road, was approved to be built at 130 feet, but when witnesses testified the tower would reach 140 feet and built for possible expansion, board members became frustrated.

Now, Verizon Wireless and representatives from Cellco Partnership are looking for Holmdel residents to submit any comments regarding the plan and its effect on the historic Porter Farm, by April 19.

Public notice, published March 20:

Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) are proposing to construct a 140-foot Stealth Structure Pine Tree Telecommunications Tower located on Middletown Road and American Way, Holmdel, Monmouth County, NJ 07733 (40? 21' 32.85" North and 74? 9' 34.44" West). Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30-days from the date of this publication to: E. Kosmalski, Terracon, 2855 Premiere Parkway, Suite C, Duluth, GA 30097; 770-623-0755; or elkosmalski@terracon.com.

The cell tower was approved in July 2011 by the Township Committee, which entered into a contract with Verizon to build the tower.

February's Planning Board meeting was considered a capital review, allowing the board to question expert witnesses and offer final recommendations to township officials.

Planning Board members raised concerns about the originally proposed height versus a 140 foot tower.

Verizon witnesses justified an extra 10 feet in height, saying it gives the faux tree a "crown" making it look as close to a pine tree as possible.

"We do think thats a very valuable way to disguise it," Verizon's attorney said. "The branches give it a nice crown to make it look like a tree."

Township attorneys are now reviewing the contract with Verizon before a newly scheduled April 9 public hearing, when final recommendations will be made.

Because the contract was approved by the Township Committee, the Planning Board does not have the authority to approve is reject the proposal.

Mail or email your comments about the tower to:

E. Kosmalski 
Terracon
2855 Premiere Parkway, Suite C
Duluth, GA 30097

(770) 623-0755 or elkosmalski@terracon.com