Township Officials Agree to 140-Foot Maximum Height for Cell Tower

The in Washington Township is moving forward. Council members introduced an ordinance Monday night for the project and agreed to a maximum height of 140 feet for the tower, which will stand next to the township's police station.

The plans for the cell tower call for a 120-foot structure, but the majority of councilmen agreed that giving leeway of 20 additional feet would protect the township should the dimensions change.

"I wouldn't go exactly," Councilman Richard Hrbek said. "What if it winds up being an inch taller? You've got to give yourself room."

Township Attorney Kenneth Poller agreed and suggested the council use the 140-foot maximum height in the ordinance.

Councilman Joseph D'Urso, who abstained when the vote was taken, said he was concerned with the ever increasing height of the project. "We've gone from 90 to 110 to 120 [feet]. Now we're going to 140," he said. "I'm looking out for the residents of the town. No one wants that kind of tower."

Council President Fred Goetz said, "I don't want a 140-foot tower either but I want to make sure that we're covered."

A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for Feb. 28.