The construction of a cell tower at Sligo Baptist Church is on hold after AT&T withdrew its application Wednesday from the Montgomery County Board of Appeals.

AT&T filed an incomplete application to the board in August for a special exception to construct a 101-foot monopole at Sligo Baptist Church at 1610 Dennis Ave. The application did not include a forest conservation plan or a waiver that is required under Montgomery Countys zoning ordinance.

In a letter to the board dated Oct. 15, Gregory Rapisarda, AT&Ts attorney, explained the reasons for the withdrawal. He wrote that the countys code and special exception application procedure will change at the end of October, before AT&T will be able to finalize the environmental requirements. That would necessitate substantial modifications of the package, he wrote.

AT&T withdrew the application. The company expects to finalize the requirements or deliverables in the next month or so, according to the letter.

Several residents who live near the church have expressed concern over the construction of a cell tower in a residential neighborhood. The Forest Estates Community, made up of seven communities, has continued to gather support from environmental groups and petitioned local leaders.

The community association believes AT&T should consider another location because a tower could harm the forest, wildlife, [and] storm water ponds, and pose potential health risks. Residents voiced their concerns on Oct. 7 at a community meeting with Rapisarda.

John Placanica, a resident and member of the Forest Estates Community Association, said opponents are guardedly optimistic about the withdrawal.

Dan Langan of AT&T public affairs wrote in a statement that consumers in the area want and need enhanced mobile phone and mobile broadband coverage. AT&T is always interested in working with the local community on proposed sites, he said.

After the last community meeting, we wanted to take some additional time to enhance the application to address some of the feedback we received, Langan wrote in a statement. We intend to re-apply in the near future, and we look forward to working with local leaders on this proposal.

rcamargo@gazette.net

Link:
AT&T withdraws cell tower application, for now -- Gazette.Net

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October 26, 2014 at 2:54 pm by Mr HomeBuilder
Category: Church Construction