Chatham Township Board of Adjustment Will Discuss Steep Slope Variance

Residents of Chatham are getting the opportunity to address their leaders directly following protests against the proposal by Cingular Wireless LLC -- AT&T -- to implement several antennas and five boxes to hold equipment associated with the operation of the antennas around Buxton Road, Kincaid Lane and Huron Drive.

The Chathan Township Board of Adjustments will hear arguments about the proposal Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building located at 58 Meyersville Road.

In November 2013, AT&T attorney Judy Fairweather said she would return Sept. 18 with expert testimony regarding the proposal before it is put to the vote.

Board attorney Stephen H. Shaw said of the FCC proposal that it allows for up to four additional pieces of equipment to be installed. AT&T is calling for five.

Jim Dowling, a licensed planner and Fairweather’s final witness, said that the 12 antennas to be placed on the 105-foot water tower would amend an alleged gap in coverage in the community. Residents say no such gap exists, making the supposed improvements moot.

“Residents oppose granting the variances because the benefits do not outweigh the detriments. Neighbors surrounding the proposed site will have to deal with the 24/7 noise pollution or mechanical humming from the fans needed to cool equipment, the negative impact the antennas will have on their property value (thereby decreasing the taxable income for the town), the increase of traffic on a narrow residential street, the aesthetics, and the impact on their already stressed electrical service,” Buxton resident Haylee Messing said.

When the board meets this week, the topic will have been before the board for more than nine months. AT&T needs five affirmative votes from the board to move forward with its plan.