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Wednesday, June 11, 1997 Page: 2A
Municipal roundup
DALLAS TWPCommission approves
Cellular One tower plans
Cellular One cleared a hurdle Tuesday on its way to building a 280-foot
communications tower in the township.
The Planning Commission approved the company’s subdivision and land
development plans but said that approval does not allow the company to proceed
with any construction.
Cellular One plans to erect the tower on a small parcel of township land to
the rear of the municipal building but nearby residents have hired a lawyer to
challenge the action.
Commission Chairman Bill McCall told the audience of about 20 people that
the commission’s approval allows Cellular One to apply for a building permit
from zoning officer Len Kozik.
If Kozik denies the permit on the grounds that a zoning variance is
necessary, Cellular One must appeal to the Zoning Board. If Kozik grants the
permit, then the residents can challenge it before the Zoning Board — and,
failing that, the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas.
McCall told the audience that the Planning Commission does not regulate
land use. “That’s an issue for the Zoning Board. This is not the place for
it,” he said. No one at the meeting spoke against the construction of the
tower.
The tower would deliver better reception to cellular phone customers in the
Back Mountain. In addition, the township would attach various antennas to the
tower for improved fire and police communications.
The township has signed a five-year renewable lease with Cellular One at
$800 per month.
Marian Melnyk