Plymouth BZA Members Approve Monopole Construction

The Plymouth Board of Zoning Appeals discussed a request to place a 164-foot monopole communications tower at 12091 Plymouth Goshen Trail.

Mike Howley represents Central States Tower and co-applicant Verizon Wireless and presented information to the quorum of BZA members on Tuesday night. Verizon Wireless officials have paperwork filed to construct a tower on the Read Fields, LTD property near U.S. 30 and U.S. 31. They want to fill a gap in cell phone and wireless coverage for businesses, homeowners and industry in that area. The capacity level would also improve. Four antennas could be placed on the tower. It would not need to be lighted.

Howley and Plan Consultant Ralph Booker explained that the tower would not be in the airport’s conical surface which means airplanes would be able to land safely if approaching the airport in a flight pattern that goes right over the property.

Plymouth Municipal Airport Manager Dave Lattimer explained that the airport board would not be opposed to the construction of this tower as long as the FAA has provided documentation of approval. Howley explained that the FAA inspected the site and determined that the height of the tower would be acceptable. Lattimer said the airport was not made aware of the project until Friday, Jan. 30.

The Board of Zoning Appeals members voted unanimously to approve the construction of the tower pending the airport’s review of the documentation submitted by the FAA.