Hearing on 96-Foot Emergency Communications Tower Set for March 31

The Pioneer Hose Fire Company building on Route 35, Brick Township. (Credit: Google Maps)

An application by Verizon Wireless to install a new wireless communications tower that will also be used for emergency service bandwidth for Brick police, fire and EMS will be heard by the township’s zoning board March 31.

The hearing had been scheduled for January but was postponed.

The pole is proposed to be constructed by Cellco Partnership, the corporate name of Verizon Wireless’ hardware unit. The pole, which is slated to be built at the Pioneer Hose Fire Company garage adjacent to Used to Be’s on Route 35, will house both Verizon Wireless equipment as well as new communications antennas for the township’s emergency services. The township has committed to expanding its emergency coverage, and with more year-round residents, the barrier island was marked as an area in need.

---

Get Brick News Updates Daily Your email address:* Please enter all required fields Correct invalid entries

Specifically, the application calls for the construction of construction of a 90-foot communications pole in the median of Route 35 near Brick Beach I, plus a 6-foot lightning rod on top.

The pole will be built in a fenced compound measuring approximately 20-feet by 29-feet. Its location is within the R7.5 residential zone, however, where the use is not permitted. This means a supermajority of board members must support the proposal in order for a variance to be issued that would allow its construction. Verizon’s subsidiary has also requested several minor “bulk” variances regarding setbacks building coverage.

The board meeting will be held remotely via Zoom due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instructions on how to join the meeting, which will be open to objectors, public comments and the examination of witnesses, can be found at the Board of Adjustment’s page on the township’s website.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. March 31.