T-Mobile Cell Antennas Get Zoning Approval

Although often a point of contention for residents, the renewal of the special permit to allow T-Mobile cell towers at 51 Hill Road did not appear to be met with any obstacles from the Zoning Board of Appeals at its Monday, Sept. 13 meeting.

Peter Cooke represented the communications company in what he called a "straight forward procedure" for the renewal of T-Mobile's special permit to continue to operate four cell phone towers that are affixed to the Hill Estates apartment building.

Originally granted in 2006 to T-Mobile and its subsidiary Omnipoint, had a unanimous approval vote from the four-member committee after two members disqualified themselves from the vote.

"They want to make sure everything is in compliance, and check that everything is running smoothly," said Cooke about the review and renewal process.

T-Mobile's experience is in marked contrast with Verizon's attempt to build a 100-foot tall cell tower on the Arlington town line abutting Route 2 since leasing the land from the state in 2006.

Both Belmont and Arlington have fought the location of the tower with Belmont's Selectmen, Historic District Commission and residents leading the charge, arguing that the tower was an eyesore that nearly everyone could see in historic districts in Belmont and Arlington.

Earlier this year, Belmont Selectman Angelo Firenze bluntly proclaimed that residents would rather suffer with dropped calls than to live with a 100-foot tower "that will look terrible and most neighbors hate."

But on Monday, the town appeared comfortable with T-Mobile's tower. Besides providing photos to show members that the antennas blend in with the building's orange red brick facade and the structure facility remains unchanged, Cooke asked to increase the current bond amount from to $23,000 from $20, 000.

The bond, actually a letter of credit, was increased because the previous amount was thought to be conservative.

Cooke did not have the proper documents to show that the structures that are affixed to the building's rooftop were within the town's zoning code. Seeming to be a mere formality, committee members asked him to present a letter addressed to the town's building inspector stating that the T-Mobile installations are in compliance.

The installation consists of four antennas' flush mounted to the chimneys of the seven-story building, along with three equipment cabinets located on the roof. Per the town's by-laws, communications carriers are required to file an annual certification stating that they comply with the town and state standards and codes. Cooke agreed to submit the letter of compliance.

Members decided that since there were no changes and since planning board requirements were satisfied, there was no need for additional review, granting the permit renewal request on the condition that the certifications and bond were in place.

Before he presented his request, committee members Joe De Stefano and Arthur Kreiger recused themselves from the vote for business connections to the property and the telecom industry. De Stefano's family members own the property that the T-Mobile antennas are located on.