2008-10-23-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes of the Lexington Zoning Board of Appeals Selectmen's Meeting Room, Lexington Town Hall October 23, 2008 Board Members Present: Chairman — Arthur C. Smith, Nyles N. Barnert, John J. McWeeney, Judith J. Uhrig and Associate Member David Williams. Staff present: David George, Zoning Administrator Petition Address: 40 Hartwell Avenue, Map 84, Lot 84A The Chairman opened the hearing at 7:30 PM by reading the legal notices and described information received from the petitioner relative to the petitions. The relief sought is for a Special Permit to install, operate and maintain a wireless communication facility. Prior to the hearing, the petition and supporting data were reviewed by the Building Commissioner, Conservation Administrator, Town Engineer, Health Director, Board of Selectmen, Zoning Administrator, the Planning Board, Communication Advisory Committee and the Design Advisory Committee. Comments were received from the Conservation Administrator, the Zoning Administrator and the Communication Advisory Committee. Adam Braillard, attorney for Metro PCS explained to the board that there is currently, located at the site, a monopole with other wireless carriers. Metro PCS seeks to install six (6) panel antennas flush mounted in sectors on the monopole at 123 -ft. above ground level. The facility would contain, within the fenced area adjacent to the monopole, up to two (2) base transceiver systems (BTS), up to two (2) battery back -up cabinets, and one (1) power plant. A GPS antenna would be attached to one of the BTS cabinets. Related cabling would run inside the pole to the fenced enclosure. The board asked questions regarding the height of the antennas and whether the monopole could hold more antennas. Mr. Braillard indicated the antennas would not be highest on the pole. Other carriers are located at 130,140, and 150 -ft. The monopole may be able to hold more carriers. Also, the board asked about the agreement Metro PCS has with the landlord and the present use of the building. Mr. Braillard responded that Metro PCS has a site license to co- locate at the site. The present use of the building is a telecom switching station. A board member asked whether sufficient coverage could be achieved without using the 40 Hartwell site. Mr. Braillard indicated an overlap existed between the two facilities (40 Hartwell Avenue and 119 Wood Street). However both facilities were needed to guarantee continuous coverage for both voice and data transmissions. No abutters spoke in opposition or in support of the petition. The hearing was duly closed.