New cell tower in Dover? Verizon looks to address spotty service in these parts of city.
DOVER — Verizon Wireless is proposing the construction of a 104-foot-tall cell tower on Tolend Road “to remedy service inadequacies in and around” Dover, according to a project proposal.
The plan, which was filed by Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon, is seeking city approval to develop 360 square feet of land at 180 Tolend Road.
Spotty service areas identified by the company would be improved in the areas of Route 9, 6th Street and Tolend Road, in addition to surrounding roads and neighborhoods in western Dover, according to the company.
The proposal is set to be heard by the city's Technical Review Committee on Thursday, Sept. 7.
The proposed 104-foot-tall monopole would be built within a 60-foot-by-60-foot, fenced-in structure, per project plans.
“The project will not pollute, will not create noise or vibration, will not create any significant increases in traffic, will not create any environmental problems, will not increase population density, and will not create any demand on governmental facilities,” the proposal states. “Thus, the project will not create any detriment to adjoining properties or change the character of the neighborhood.
“Instead, the project will enhance government facilities and promote the public welfare by providing a modern, more efficient system of communications for police, fire and other emergency services, as well as provide modern wireless telecommunication service to business, industry and individuals in and around the Dover (West) cell,” the proposal adds.
Who owns cell tower site?
The property is owned by Lionel Paradis Jr. and Kristina Paradis, who city records show are leasing the land to Verizon until at least September 2028, with options in place to extend the lease by five-year increments.
The proposed facility would include telecommunications equipment cabinets with utility connections, which would be installed on a concrete pad. Upwards of 12 panel antennas could be installed, and the site would require a 30 kilowatt diesel generator.
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In early May, Verizon Wireless reached an agreement with tower company Vertical Bridge to construct more cell towers around the country in order to expand Verizon’s 4G and 5G Ultra Wideband services.
“The new towers will add to the overall communications infrastructure in the U.S., and will help to fulfill the need for new locations where towers do not exist today to continue to enhance the wireless experience,” Verizon’s announcement of the deal read.
Why Tolend Road for new cell tower?
The company selected the Tolend Road site “as being an appropriate site to remedy the service deficiencies” in Dover, Verizon’s project description adds.
The proposal received a special exemption variance from the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment in July to locate the tower in the IT zoning district, which does not permit new wireless telecommunications towers.
According to Dover zoning administrator and city assistant planner Natasha Kypfer, 17 locations in Dover, including three city-owned properties, have radio or cell towers.
The proposal is heading for its initial review before the Technical Review Committee on Thursday, Sept. 7. Dover’s Planning Board members would also need to sign off on the project.
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Dover NH cell tower: Verizon says it can fix spotty service
