PEPPERELL — Verizon got its tower on Townsend Street.
The Planning Board on Monday night approved Special Permit SP 2007-08, filed by Verizon Wireless, for a wireless communications facility at 104A Townsend Street adjacent to the town water tank. Detailed in the nine-page decision were findings by the board that the wireless facility “will not cause substantial detriment to the town or the neighborhood” and that “it is in the public interest and not inconsistent with the zoning bylaws.”
The 4-1 vote in favor of the facility was opposed by Planner Richard McHugh. The facility, and in particular the construction of a 140-foot cell tower, was the focus of intense debate during several public hearings that had residents of the abutting neighborhood vigorously challenging the plans proposed by Verizon Wireless and Sprint PCS. As many as 50 residents were in attendance at public hearings held over the past several months.
The 4-1 vote in favor of the facility was opposed by Planner Richard McHugh. The facility, and in particular the construction of a 140-foot cell tower, was the focus of intense debate during several public hearings that had residents of the abutting neighborhood vigorously challenging the plans proposed by Verizon Wireless and Sprint PCS. As many as 50 residents were in attendance at public hearings held over the past several months.
In its decision, the board noted that the applicant had “demonstrated a need to improve the provision of their wireless services on nearby thoroughfares and within surrounding neighborhoods.” The board also cited the existing water tank on the property as a contributing factor in their findings that the new facility would have minimal impact on surrounding residences.
