Questionable placement for Damascus cell tower

By HENRY HEINZERLING

On June 9, the Damascus Board of Supervisors authorized South Canaan’s Cellular 194-foot tower on leased land from Dr. Walter Barbe.

The involved parties are:

1. Mr. Jeffrey Dexter, chairman, Damascus Board of Supervisors

2. South Canaan Cellular Communications Company, lessee

3. Mr. Walter Barbe, lessor

4. Adjacent property owner(s), victims

Considering the expense and magnitude of preparation by South Canaan Cellular, prior to the board’s meeting, one can’t help but think discussions between South Canaan and the Damascus Board of Supervisors had been going on for some time, and that neutral ground had been reached prior to the hearing. The board’s decision presented no surprise for South Canaan Cellular; however, it did surprise some locals, many of whom didn’t know such proposal was even being considered.

I have owned the two-acre parcel fronting Atco Road, with the proposed tower directly on its border, for 40 years. The 194-foot tower and “enclosed compound” on Dr. Barbe’s leased parcel will adversely affect it.

The tower is being built by South Canaan Cellular Communications on Dr. Barbe’s parcel, which lies adjacent to my lot. Dr. Barbe, the lessor, will be handsomely compensated for the leasing of the parcel; however the adjacent property owners will be the ones having to contend with the tower’s presence. Since Dr. Barbe’s parcel is expansive, 107 acres, with scores of suitable potential sites that would not border other parcels, I question why the site was placed adjacent to my property while also being the furthest distance from his house. Was it not possible to relocate the site slightly away from residential parcels to one of many locations that isn’t directly infringing on my or other property owners’ parcels? Of course it was. After all, his parcel is 107 suitable acres.

Additionally, it seems that the board’s decision contradicts Damascus Township’s zoning ordinance 608.4, paragraph C, “ Standards and Criteria.” “The proposed use at the proposed location shall not result in a substantial or undue adverse effect on adjacent property, character of neighborhood… adjacent property values.” The reduced property value and adverse effect on my adjacent parcel is obvious and significant, even though the township claims differently.

Mr. Dexter and his associates have also failed to comply with Damascus Township Zoning Ordinance 610 paragraph three, which requires advising property owners within 500 feet of the nearest line of property for which the action is sought. Ordinance 610 has not been adhered to as the owner of parcel #TMB 07-237-38.2, adjacent to mine, did not receive required notification of hearing.

Considering the above, the Damascus Board of Supervisors has an obligation to reopen discussion while promoting a negotiated location and settlement that would be agreeable to all, particularly adjacent residents.

(Henry Heinzerling is a property owner in Damascus, PA.)