By DAVID HULSE

SHOHOLA - By a 4-1 vote, the Shohola Planning Commission last week recommended denial of conditional zoning use permits sought for the construction of communications towers in Shohola Falls and on German Hill.

The Shohola Supervisors will hear the proposal again when they inherit this hot potato issue next month. About 40 persons turned out to hear the proposal by Princeton Towers of Pennsylvania on August 17, which plans two 250 foot towers. Princeton builds the towers based on communications providers' service needs and then leases antenna space to various providers.

One tower, to be located adjacent to state game lands off Route 6 in Shohola Falls, would be a lattice design, free-standing structure; while the second, off Sarah Lane on German Hill, would be guyed by anchored cables several hundred feet in length.

Princeton CEO Joe Fitzsimmons, supported by an attorney, two engineers, an environmental consultant and his property acquisition manager, was able to address most of the zoning issues. Saying the site would be visited rarely and then only by light vehicles, the company balked at the commission's request to install a commercial-width, improved driveway access into the unmanned facilities.

With the exception of fire police volunteer Hugh O'Neill, who argued better radio communications are needed for emergency services, other residents opposed the imposing towers.

German Hill residents said 27 neighboring homes would be impacted. Several complained about unspecified health concerns related to the towers' broadcast emissions. Wolfgang Schlicter said the tower would be 700 feet from his property and demanded safety guarantees. "It's my property and my health," he said.

Others complained on aesthetic grounds. Princeton provided photos from a Washington, D. C. suburb showing expensive homes built nearby pre-existing towers. Jeffrey Shreiner said the values for suburban Maryland were not the same as those that bring people to Pike County.

"Our [property] values are based on a rural setting," Monica Gilroy said.

A Shohola Falls resident said he has had no problems getting cell phone service with existing towers and argued that a new tower in a place widely publicized as one of state's most attractive natural areas would be inappropriate and unneeded.

Under questioning, Princeton land acquisitions manager Denise Archer admitted that she would not want a tower next door. "I don't think anybody would."

But despite aesthetic and health concerns, the commission recommendation was based on the driveway issue, which the supervisors may waive, the commission noted.

Peter Kestler cast the sole votes against the two denial recommendations. He did not detail the reason for his decision.