Southold Town Board will hear public comments regarding itsnew wireless communication planand amendments to the wireless code June 2 and 16 at 6 p.m.
The plan was constructed with the help of atown-wide surveyconducted between July 18 and Aug. 14 which revealed that nearly50% of residents get only one bar of service in their homes.Discussionto get a new code on the books have been ongoing since last summer.
The proposed amendment law states its intention is to minimize the visual and environmental impacts of the facilities and recognizes of the crucial role wireless coverage plays in daily life. It also outlines regulation for structure type, and intentions to protect the scenic qualities of Southold “while meeting the community’s need for consistent and dependable coverage.”
Under the law, facility locations would be reviewed and approved in conjunction with zoning and historical development patterns in town as well as any other federal, state or local laws and regulations. The erection, enlargement, expansion, alteration, operation, maintenance, relocation and removal of all wireless communication facilities would also be regulated by the new code.
Location priority for wireless communication facilities, in descending order, would be: on town-owned property, in the right of way, on other taxing districts’ property or on other property in the town.
The most preferred method to increase wireless connectivity was collocation on an eligible structure without exceeding the definition of substantial change, followed by collocation of an existing base station exceeding the definition of substantial change, replacement of an existing tower, new collocation on a new base station without preexisting equipment, or a new tower.
Preferred design standards for towers in descending order listed in the proposed code are concealed tower, painted monopole, non-painted monopole or a lattice tower. Maximum tower height, excluding lightning rods, would be 140 feet in all districts where permitted, or as provided in the town’s Wireless Master Plan.
Priority location for towers in descending order are:
Towers would not be allowed in wetlands, land above high groundwater within 10 feet of the surface, lands purchased with Community Preservation Funds, coastal erosion hazard areas or designated parkland without a permit from all jurisdictional agencies.
Before a lease can be secured for a new facility, a predevelopment meeting must be held with the planning department and building inspector to discuss the proposed project, location and possible alternatives. All wireless communication facilities and modifications would require a building permit, wireless facility planning permit, and in some instances a special exception approval.
Source: The Suffolk Times
