Verizon Cell Tower Hearing Postponed In Lower Makefield Twp.

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —A hearing on the construction of a controversial cell phone tower has been postponed once again.

And it might not take place for another month or two.

Cellco Partnership (Verizon Wireless) has proposed building a cell tower at 375 Stony Hill Road near the Beth El Synagogue. However, the company asked township officials to postpone the hearing that was scheduled for Jan. 16.

Township officials said the public will be notified at least 45 days before the next hearing date for this appeal.

A Change.org petition drive was launched to protest the project that's before the Lower Makefield Township Zoning Hearing Board.

"Verizon is proposing to build a cell tower behind Beth El —right in our back yard. While we want improved cell coverage for all, it should be put in a place that is already permitted, like the ShopRite/Kohls complex or other permitted areas," petitioners state.

As a residential neighborhood, residents say they do not want the cell tower. They're worried about:

1. Our property values can decline by up to 20 percent
2. Our neighborhood's essential character will be irrevocably changed
3. Our environment and local ecosystem could be damaged
4. Our health, especially that of our kids, can be harmed

Residents have gathered more than 300 signatures so far on the Change.org petition to stop Verizon Wireless from building the cell tower.

Last year, Verizon Wireless conducted a "balloon test."

A brightly colored helium-filled balloon was flown at a tethered height equal to the height of a hypothetical pole structure, 150 feet above the ground. Photographs from various vantage points around the property and off-site were taken from which photo simulations were prepared of the structure in proper scale, township officials said.