Shandaken residents will have a chance next month to comment on Verizon’s proposal to install a 50-foot wireless pole near the Big Indian-Oliverea Fire Department.
The Shandaken Zoning Board of Appeals set a public hearing for 6:45 p.m. June 17 on four variances Verizon needs before the project can move forward.
Verizon has said the pole would improve service for firefighters and strengthen wireless coverage on Fire House Road, in Big Indian Park, and along Route 28.
The hearing date was set at the ZBA’s meeting Wednesday night, when the board also heard from James Lavelle, a representative for Verizon. The hearing information was confirmed by Olivia Amantia, secretary for the Shandaken ZBA, Building Department, and Planning Board.
The proposal was first presented to the Shandaken Planning Board on May 14 by Scott Olson, a representative for Verizon.
In paperwork filed with the town, Verizon said the pole is needed because its existing antennas in Margaretville and Shandaken are too far from the Big Indian-Oliverea Hose Company to provide reliable service. The company also cited terrain and foliage as obstacles to coverage.
Two of the variances involve setback requirements. A third would allow Verizon to be the pole’s only carrier, even though towers are generally required to accommodate two wireless companies. A fourth would allow the company to install a cellular facility in a highway-business zoning district.
If the ZBA grants the four variances, Verizon would still need approval from the Shandaken Planning Board before the project could proceed.
The proposed Big Indian pole would be smaller than other recent cell tower proposals in Shandaken, including a 160-foot tower at 1466 Wittenberg Road in Mount Tremper that town officials approved last year.
Verizon had also sought approval for another Shandaken cell tower, but withdrew that application amid pushback from residents concerned about aesthetics and possible health risks, Supervisor Babs Mansfield said. Mansfield said Verizon is now working with Ulster County on emergency cell service in Phoenicia.
In a statement for the earlier Planning Board story, Verizon said it was committed to improving its network and providing dependable service to customers. The Big Indian pole is part of that effort, the company said.
John W. Barry is a reporter for The Overlook. Reach him at john@theoverlooknews.com.