(ANGOLA) - The Steuben County Board of Zoning Appeals approved plans Monday for a new Verizon wireless communications tower in Pleasant Township despite objections from nearby residents.
The board voted 4-0 to grant a special exception for the project at 105 South 325 West.
Representatives for Tower North Development LLC said the tower is needed to address wireless coverage gaps and capacity issues in the area. They told board members existing sites cannot adequately serve the corridor around U.S. 20, Interstate 69 and the Steuben County Airport, particularly during periods of heavy network use.
Several residents spoke against the proposal, raising concerns about airport safety, environmental impacts, property values and possible interference with television reception.
Project representatives said the proposed 199-foot tower has undergone required federal reviews and complies with Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Communications Commission requirements. They also said the tower meets county setback standards.
The tower would occupy about a quarter-acre of the nearly 40-acre property.
The Verizon tower generated the most discussion during Monday night's meeting.
The Board of Zoning Appeals also approved several other requests, including a mini-storage development proposal, residential setback variances and lake property improvement projects.