[Scan-DC] Compromise Keeps New Cell Towers Away From Homes in O.C.

[Alan Henney]

Compromise Keeps New Cell Towers Away From Homes in O.C.

Shawn J. Soper

Managing Editor

OCEAN CITY -- After an apparent compromise that will prevent dozens of cell phone towers, some as tall as 38 feet, in many residential areas throughout the town, resort officials this week unanimously approved a franchise agreement to allow for the installation of a network of towers expected to expand bandwidth and improve service in Ocean City.

As far back as 2015, private sector company Crown Castle announced a proposal to install as many as 90 Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), essentially cell phone towers, at locations throughout Ocean City including many of the resort’s residential neighborhoods. The towers would range from about 18 feet to as high as 38 feet.

After learning of the plan to install as many as 90 of the cell towers throughout Ocean City, resort officials formally opposed the installation of any stand-alone DAS systems in residential neighborhoods, citing aesthetics and property value issues, for example. However, Crown Castle has secured a public utility designation for the towers from the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) that allows them to be installed, but also permits local jurisdictions to regulate where they can go and how tall they can be, for example.

Last month, the Ocean City Planning Commission began exploring ways to keep the cell phone towers out of the residential areas through changes to the zoning code, for example. However, Crown Castle officials have since returned with a plan that will allow them to accomplish their DAS goals while keeping the towers out of the resort’s residential areas. City Engineer Terry McGean presented the proposed changes in the plan to the Mayor and Council on Tuesday.

“Crown Castle has submitted a letter that confirms they will not pursue any installations in R-1 districts or MH districts at this time,” he said. “Based on the receipt of that letter and their revised locations and a commitment from them to abide by the guidelines presented to the Mayor and Council in the past, the staff is recommending moving forward with the agreement with Crown Castle.”

In short, the original proposal includes a number of 30-foot poles located in single-family neighborhoods with underground utilities. However, after considerable debate, Crown Castle has agreed to avoid installations in those areas and look for alternative locations. Instead, the DAS towers will be installed on existing utility poles throughout the resort where possible or on new poles that replace existing utility poles at the company’s expense. 

More: https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2017/01/12/ocean-city-company-reach-compromise-to-keep-cell-towers-out-of-residential-districts/