WINDSOR CHARTER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING – JULY 12, 2006

MEETING ROOM – 7:00 P.M.

 

 

Public hearing for T-Mobile Special Use Permit on Larry & Opal Whitney’s property at 4751 Smith Road was called to order by Chair Dave Kubicek.

Present:  Kubicek, Borucki, Blair, Burton, Bredin, Pray

Absent: Johnson

Also present: Jim Foulds and Vern Fountain of CPS.

 

Wally Haley was there representing T-Mobile and the Whitney’s were also present.  Mr. Haley explained that it is to be a 195’ monopole without lights.  He shared a map showing the other towers in the area and where they have other co-locators. This spot will fill in the hole for the area.  They prefer to co locate but there are no towers in this area.

 

Gene Lapham, 4602 Smith Road asked where on the property the tower would be located.  It will be back against the woods.

 

Bruce Danford 4565 Smith Road asked who will benefit from this tower?  The land owner and the community with 911 and personal property tax,

 

Gene Lapham asked if mandated to co-locate?  No and none are in this area for them to use.  The towers are terrain sensitive and 2 ½ miles in about the max under perfect conditions that they work.

 

Bruce Danford asked how this spot was found.  They have people who search for certain criteria and this land fit it.  He stated he is the property next to Whitney’s to the south.  The setbacks will be 577’, 504’ and 630’ so more than the 2 ½ times the tower height.  His house will be 1100’ from the tower.  They could have gone closer to the road but felt this was better because being near the woods it was not as visible. 

 

Gene Lapham asked how they would access the tower?  They will go in along Whitney’s house.

 

Bruce Danford asked if health studies have been done?  FCC states that not a proper question but U of M  states that being 100’ from tower is like being 4’ from a baby monitor or 100 times less than a microwave.  Will he have interference with his home? No. Will his property value go down?  Value of land splits he might do?  If he feels it is a problem he can go to Board of Review in March.  Has the commission done other towers?  Yes multiple.   Who received notice of this meeting?  300’, newspaper notice and land was posted.

 

Public Hearing closed at 7:25 PM.

 

Regular meeting was called to order.

 

No public comments.

 

Minutes of previous meeting approved as printed.

 

Blair gave report from Board of Trustees.

 

T-MOBILE SPECIAL USE PERMIT:

 

Burton asked about the building being blocked from view and if landscape is necessary?  They are willing to do but do not feel it is necessary.

 

Bredin asked how large the woods are?  12 acres

 

Foulds handed out a revised report on the SUP request.  The cell tower is in A-1 zoning and his job is to see that all the standards have been met.  In his opinion all have been met from the ordinance # 30.  Since the first report was written they have met more of the conditions so he feels a recommendation to approve with regards to item # 1 and item # 2.  In regards to landscaping he feels since 550-600’ it is not necessary as not visual impact.

 

Borucki moved and Bredin seconded to recommend to the Township Board to issue the Special Use Permit to T-Mobile on Larry & Opal Whitney property at 4751 Smith Road with the 2 recommendations from CPS.  Carried unanimously.

 

With no further business Borucki moved and Pray seconded to adjourn the meeting.  Carried unanimously.  Adjourned at 7:55 PM.

 

 

                                                                                    Linda Towsley, Clerk