Hollis NH Historic District Commission Minutes from April 2003

Taken from the Historic District Commission Minutes, Draft Copy, April 3, 2003, REGULAR MEETING

6. Case #03-06 Application of US Cellular to permit the addition of six panel antennas to the existing pipe mounts on the cell tower on property owned by James and Sandra Belanger located at 19 Proctor Hill Road in the Historic District.

Kenneth Kozyra of KJK Wireless represented US Cellular in Case #03-06.

E. Makepeace moved and V. Manoukian seconded to accept Case # 03-06 for consideration. The motion carried unanimously.

K. Kozyra showed the board pictures of the new six panel antennas and existing mounts. He said there are already provisions to add these six panels to the tower and the height of the tower itself will not be increased. Two panels will be added to each of the three sides. They will be mounted at the 168-foot centerline and extend 4 feet above and 4 feet below this centerline. The new panels are 96 inches tall, 11.6 inches wide, and 6 inches deep. The existing six panels are 50 inches tall. J. Cram figured that these new panels were approximately 2.9 times bigger than the existing ones. He felt that the panels were much bigger and would be a lot more visible. He also wondered if the panels could be painted any color.

K. Kozyra brought color specs for the board to look over and pick any color that they would like. He will paint the new and the old panel antennas to blend. M.G Winer feels that painting them is the best solution. L. Barbour does not mind these six new panel antennas but is concerned that US Cellular will be back to add more. She also wondered how much more space was on the tower. K. Kozyra answered that it could carry 4-6 carriers. He also stated that an engineer would know better. P. Hemmerich felt that it could not get any more unappealing. V. Manoukian asked why K. Kozyra wanted to add the panels. K. Kozyra answered that this is different technology that will provide better services. He also stated that US Cellular is upgrading all of their existing wireless installations in the State of New Hampshire.

The Commission discussed the option of co-locating the proposed panels to Birch Hill and asked K. Kozyra if he had explored that option. K. Kozyra said that he had not. He stated that US Cellular were expanding their existing towers. He felt that this was the most effective way to bring better service to customers.

E. Makepeace questioned the approved height of the tower. Cathy Hoffman read the following decision made by the selectmen at their August 13, 2001 meeting regarding the tower.

" MOVED by Donald Ryder, seconded by Frank Ballou, THAT the US Cellular tower located on the property of James and Sandra Belanger by reason of municipal estoppels be accepted at the height of 170 feet with 9 antennas located on this tower; the total height not to exceed 191 feet; and further THAT any replacement of or significant modification of the telecommunications facilities as described in the Telecommunications Zoning Ordinance for the Town of Hollis require a Conditional Use Permit granted by the Planning Board pursuant to authority granted by RSA 674:21, II."

The chairman opened the floor to public comment.

Paul Levesque expressed his frustration with the selectmen’s decision regarding the tower. He stated, " I hope you will approve it, then I can go to the planning and zoning boards".

John Heden, 43 Proctor Hill Road, was opposed to the new antennas. He wondered why the board gave him a hard time with everything he planned to do with his residence. He thinks they are not worried enough about the looks of the cell tower.

The Commission discussed denying the application. They also told the abutters that they could appeal to the ZBA. L. Barbour feels that US Cellular should not add these new panel antennas to the tower. P. Hemmerich believes there are no guidelines for this case and it is outside of what the HDC does. E. Makepeace feels that the tower is a non-conforming structure that is grandfathered. It is legal the way it is. The object is to not let it get any worse. He would like to see some engineering plans that prove US Cellular has made every attempt to blend the structure in with surroundings.

K. Kozyra stated that it cannot be modified in any way besides the paint color. M.G Winer commented that the tower is existing and necessary. Its form follows its function. V. Manoukian thought the goal was to move all of the panels antennas to Birch Hill. K. Kozyra stated that the best option for his company’s network is to add the panel antennas to the existing tower.

John Heden, abutter, felt that K. Kozyra had conflicting comments. K. Kozyra said he had not explored any other options. K. Kozyra also said that if he co-located to Birch Hill, his customers would have less coverage, and additional cellular facilities would be required. L. Barbour would like to explore all other options. M.G Winer asked the board if they would like to table the application. V. Manoukian said it is not necessary and asked to approve the application with color conditions.

V. Manoukian moved and M.G Winer seconded the to approve Case # 03-06 with the condition that the commission stipulate the color the antennas will be painted.

The motion carried 4-3.

P. Hemmerich, V. Martin, V. Manoukian, and M.G Winer voted in favor.

J. Cram, E. Makepeace, and H. Mercer voted against.

M.G Winer moved and V. Manoukian seconded to approve the color selection Sherwin Williams SW4027 Galvano for the entire array. The motion carried unanimously.