Campbell planning commission approves cell phone towers

By Bryan Gentry

Published: July 29, 2008

Two proposed AT&T cell phone towers near Rustburg cleared a hurdle Monday night, receiving approval from the Campbell County Planning Commission.

The towers are part of AT&T’s efforts to improve service along Virginia 24. Several special-use permits have been approved in Bedford County this year, and others are being requested.

The Campbell County towers still need approval from county supervisors.

One tower is proposed off of Virginia 24, about one mile east of Wisecarver Road. The other is slated for Rocky Road, about one mile north of U.S. 501.

The towers would stand 199 feet tall and would be able to hold two antennas from other carriers, said Matt Collins, representative for Integrated Wireless Development. His company is handling site acquisition and zoning for the towers.

Frank Merryman said the new tower near Wisecarver Road would help him get a better cell phone signal.

“If I go into my basement, I’ve got nothing. If I go up into my house, I get two bars,” Merryman said, adding that sometimes he can’t get a signal outside.

He’s concerned about being able to place emergency calls from his cell phone, he said.

Two of his brothers who live nearby spoke against the proposed tower.

Emory Merryman said the tower could restrict the use of his own land nearby, since he would not be able to build residences near the tower.

He also said he has no problem placing cell phone calls in the area. “And my carrier just happens to be AT&T,” he said.

Robert Merryman said another site should be considered because the proposed tower is on a plot of land containing a small, old cemetery that is not well known.

Collins said the tower could be positioned to not disturb the cemetery.

Several people spoke against the Rocky Road tower. Cheryl Blanks said the tower would not provide enough cell phone coverage to justify it.

John Potter of Mortimer Drive said the tower would damage local historical sites, including Civilian Conservation Corps artifacts from the Great Depression.

Planning commissioners said that improved cell phone service is needed near the proposed towers. Commissioner Dennis Rosser said that he had talked to several people who had dropped calls near the proposed site near Wisecarver Road.

The planning commission voted unanimously to recommend approval for the special-use permits.

Community Development Director Paul Harvey said the Campbell County supervisors will consider the permits Sept. 2.