MINUTES OF THE PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING
STAR TOWER/T-MOBILE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL PERMIT AND
SITE PLAN REVIEW
NOVEMBER 18, 2009
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Lawrence Salate, Patricia Halpin, Patrick McKeon, Karen Paré, Vincent Vignaly
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Jeff Nathan, Scott Heffernan, Bryan Wilson, George Eisroun, James Valeriani, Allen Rantala
The Chair opened the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. Mr. Bryan Wilson represented Star Tower. He submitted the legal notices of public hearing that were published in the Telegram & Gazette on November 4th and November 11th, which were read by Ms. Paré, Clerk of the Planning Board He also submitted receipts from the certified mailings to the abutters of the notice of the hearing.
Star Tower plans to erect a 100’ flag-pole style tower at 1 Century Drive (with a legal mailing address of 317 West Mountain Street). T-Mobile is expanding its coverage in the area due to a gap in the coverage. This tower will be erected in the Industrial District, which is an allowed use, however it will be less than two miles away from the closest tower. A waiver is therefore being requested from the Planning Board from the requirement that towers be at least two miles apart. The height of the tower with the T-Mobile antenna will be 100’, with the capability of extending the tower 20’ more for a future co-location. Mr. Wilson acknowledged that any such extension would require a Variance from the ZBA. Mr. Vignaly noted that a condition of Approval of this application could be that the
tower not be extended more than 100’. He also noted what appeared to be a “whip” on the top of the tower. Mr. Wilson explained that it is on the support tower, ground-based equipment and is for the E-911 service.
The tower can have many failure points so a waiver is being requested from the fall- distance requirement. A reduced fall distance can be achieved by the tower. The top will fall in sections, before the over-engineered base section. An engineer’s letter was submitted to verify this information. Mr. Wilson stated that he could provide a geotechnical
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November 18, 2009 – Star Tower
study and Ms. Paré replied that this study is normally submitted with the application. Mr. Wilson acknowledged that he would supply this study.
There are no microwave dishes to be installed. Vegetation at the site in now limited. There will be a minimum amount of trees cleared. The tower faces industrial property so it will be screened from the public to a great extent and it will be a “stealth tower” which will look like a flag pole. The nearest residential building is more than 1,000’ away. Ms. Halpin inquired how close the tower will be to the FedEx building and Mr. Wilson stated that it will be 60’ from the property line and more than 100’ from the building. Antennas will be hidden on the inside of the structure. It will be an un-manned facility that will be visited about once a month by a technician. There will be no impact on surrounding traffic. Ingress and egress won’t affect the safety
of the area and there will be no noise, water or odor created from the tower.
Although there will be no increased impervious area, drainage calculations will need to be provided. The foundation is 15’x15’x5’. There is a crossing of a culvert, however. Ms. Paré stated that the Planning Board is responsible for stormwater management so drainage calculations are imperative. She noted that previously, a 12” pipe was installed at the site when a 42” pipe was required and has caused problems ever since. She added that this is a reasonable site for the project. Mr. Vignaly noted Sheet Z-1 and asked whether the tower will be at existing grade. Mr. Wilson stated that some soil will need to be removed. Mr. Vignaly noted that there will be increased flow and this must be included in the drainage calculations. The detention basin cannot be
filled. Mr. Wilson stated that material will be removed upgrade. No sewage will be generated and refuge will be removed during construction.
Mr. Wilson stated that he will come up with revised plans and confer with VHB. Mr. Scott Heffernan, a radio frequency engineer, addressed the Board in order to justify the request to waive the distance requirement between two towers. Terrain restrictions in the area caused by hills around East Mountain Street make it difficult to get full coverage. Lincoln Street apartments is the site of the nearest tower. He explained that the proposed site is a location with good line-of-sight. The lot will be leased long-term. Ms. Paré reminded Mr. Wilson that the town requires a removal bond for the tower and for T-Mobile’s equipment. Mr. Wilson inquired whether a full property survey is necessary and whether the plan scale can be different. Mr. Nathan stated that a scale of 1”-40’
is preferable. A plan and profile of the access road is required. Mr. Vignaly suggested that Mr. Wilson write a letter requesting waivers for the scale, traffic study, distance to the next tower, etc. Mr. Wilson also needs to consult the Conservation Commission. Star Tower will be working in an engineered detention basin, not in a wetlands, but they will be crossing a drainage ditch. Mr. Vignaly stated that the Conservation Commission may need to justify working in a flood area.
A battery back-up will be installed with service provided by the West Boylston Municipal Lighting Plant. Ms. Paré suggested that the detail be removed from the plan concerning
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November 18, 2009 – Star Tower
the ability to extend the tower 20’. Mr. Nathan questioned whether the driveway is intact as it now exists. Mr. Wilson stated that he will provide details.
Upon motion of Ms. Paré and second of Mr. McKeon, it was unanimously voted to continue the public hearing to January 13, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Date Accepted:_____________ By:______________________________
Karen Paré, Clerk
Submitted By:___________________
Susan Abramson
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