Panel gives OK for two towers

By Erin McGrath

Published: September 3, 2008

The Nelson County Planning Commission recommended approval last week for two 130-foot communication towers, on which a company plans to install cell phone antennas.

Both towers are straight poles, known commonly as monopoles, and were proposed by nTelos.

‘I know in my heart that cell towers are dangerous.’
— Judy Barnes of Afton, one of three who opposed the towers

The first tower site is along Rockfish Valley Highway across from the Rockfish Presbyterian Church in Nellysford. It would be painted brown and placed in a wooded area 215 feet from Virginia 151.

Commissioners recommended nTelos’ application be approved with a landscaping waiver and an exception to be placed along a scenic byway.

After hearing opposition to the tower site during the public hearing at their July meeting, commissioners delayed approval to gather more information.

After an initial balloon test –– in which a balloon was floated to the height of the proposed tower –– two more balloon tests were conducted for the Rockfish Valley Highway site, said Fred Boger, Nelson County’s planning and zoning director.

George Condyles, an independent consultant from the Atlantic Network Connections Group in Ashland, was hired to review information about this site. He said the county has an effective ordinance governing communication towers and that this site was appropriate.

County Supervisor Thomas Bruguiere Jr., who is the board’s liaison to the planning commission, said that having cell phone coverage in the county is a safety issue. He said he attended one of the balloon tests for this site and could not see the balloon above the trees.

“I don’t think a single monopole is going to affect a scenic byway,” Bruguiere said. “I think that’s just an excuse. I think nTelos is doing a service to the community.”

The second tower will be on Heathstone Lane at Stoney Creek in Wintergreen and will hold an antenna for Wintergreen Emergency Services.

Three Nelson County residents spoke in opposition to the tower during the public hearing.

Clint Cox of Stoney Creek said he was concerned about whether the site was appropriate since it is in a residential area and asked why existing power line poles couldn’t be used.

Larry Whitacker of Afton said the tower should not be placed in a residential area.

Judy Barnes of Afton said she was concerned about the safety of cell phone towers.

“I know in my heart that cell towers are dangerous,” Barnes said.

Curtis Sheets, deputy executive director of Wintergreen Property Owners Association and chief of Wintergreen Fire and Rescue, said that the most frequent complaint from Wintergreen property owners and guests was the lack of cell phone coverage.

“This is a major safety issue for Wintergreen,” Sheets said.