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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 3, 2026 - Town of Enfield Planning Board Meeting MinutesTown of Enfield Planning Board Meeting June 3, 2026 7 PM In-Person and Via the Zoom Meeting Platform Present: Planning Board Chair Dan Walker; Planning Board Members Rich Teeter, Mike Carpenter, Henry Hansteen, Ann Chaffeel; Planning Board Alternate Rosie Carpenter; Code Officer Alan Teeter; Town Clerk Mary Cornell; Call to Order: Chairman Walker called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM Review of Minutes: April 1, 2026 Meeting Minutes M. Carpenter moved and H. Hansteen seconded to approve the minutes Vote: All Aye; Carried. Site Plan Review: 217 Van Dorn Road North proposed Cell Tower. Chairman Walker asked if any of the applicants were in attendance, they were not at this point (7:08 PM). Walker shared that we have the application documents and the fees. One of the first things we asked for was justification as to why they wanted the Tower at this location. Hansteen asked if the main reason was because they are currently being charged high rental fees for the current tower they are located on. The second page of the document. The lease terms between the current leased tower owners and Verizon are no longer feasible (extensive negotiations have not reached a successfully agreement). That is why they have proposed building a new tower near the current tower as this will allow Verizon to continue to offer seamless service in this service area. H. Hansteen, are main concerns are the fall vicinity. Henry read part of the explanation from Verizon. Discussion continued. Hansteen asked if this proposal was in compliance with our requirements. Walker stated that it is not and that the Planning Board can waive certain requirements, but with the applicant not being in attendance we cannot ask questions tonight. The survey plat map shows 10’ between the property line and the lease line. Then 15’ from the lease line to the fence. That is only 25’ from the property line and in the detailed line the equipment pad isn’t 25’ from the fence. Walker, they are saying this is a two -phase project. Building the Tower is the first part and Verizon’s equipment is the second part. Walker is still not convinced about the fall zone and there is liability to the neighbors on almost all sides. Walker would ask them if they have an agreement with surrounding landowners within 175’. This is different than building a small structure, this is a high tower that could cause extensive damage. Chairman Walker checked in again to see if the applicant was present online and they were not (7:33 PM). Walker had the board members go through the first part of the EAF – LEAF of the SEQR process. With the lightening rod the tower would be 180’. Harmony Towers is the applicant, at they are headquartered in Little Rock, AR. The property owner is local. This lists the government approvals and the Tompkins County 239 approval and the SEQR. There are no state agencies approving this. Walker does not believe the location is a historic site. The long form LEAF will show if there are any concerns. FAA & FCC have approval on this. Extensive discussion continued. The board concluded their discussion tonight with needing more information before this application can continue. No public hearing will be set at this time as the application process has not advanced to that stage at this time. Chairman Walker asked Clerk Cornell to send the public hearing fees to him and he will pass on the requirements to the applicant. Adjournment: Teeter motioned and M. Carpenter seconded to adjourn, adjourned at 8:54 PM Respectfully submitted, Mary Cornell Town Clerk/Planning Board Clerk