The AT&T project, represented by Aaron Borick, required multiple variances due to the planned installation on the existing water tank on Columbia Road. The application sought a D1 use variance, a D6 height variance, and four C variances to facilitate the installation of the antennas approximately 90 feet above ground. The development includes an 18-by-26-foot fenced compound to house a diesel generator and other necessary equipment. The site is part of a larger 63-acre parcel designated for the Red Bulls training facility, which did not initially include telecommunications use in its planned unit development (PUD), necessitating the D1 variance.

During the meeting, AT&T’s radio frequency engineer, Daniel Pineso, presented various propagation maps to illustrate current coverage deficiencies and the need for the proposed site. Pineso emphasized the site’s importance for public safety communications through the FirstNet network. The board discussed alternative sites, including existing structures like a crown pole and a diamond pole, but these were deemed inadequate for fulfilling the coverage gap. The meeting also addressed concerns about emissions, with the facility operating at only 16.39% of the FCC’s maximum permissible exposure limit, well below the compliance threshold.

Public inquiries during the meeting included concerns from Dan Brumage of the Morris County Golf Club about the potential for other carriers to install antennas on the tower after AT&T. The board clarified that each carrier must submit their own application and demonstrate the need for a site. Discussions also touched on the potential environmental impact of the diesel generator, with assurances given that noise levels would comply with New Jersey requirements and that the generator would only run for maintenance or emergencies.

The visual impact of the antennas was another point of concern. Photographic simulations were presented to demonstrate that the antennas would have minimal visual impact due to the existing water tank’s structure and surrounding foliage. To further mitigate visual intrusion, the antennas will be painted to match the water tank, and landscaping enhancements, including the planting of American boxwood trees, are planned to provide additional visual screening.

Marty McGee, the site acquisition specialist from Arismith Development, explained the site selection process, which began with identifying areas with coverage deficiencies. He confirmed that the Red Bull Arena tank was chosen to utilize existing structures and avoid new tower construction costs. The board expressed general approval of the application, noting that it met safety requirements, fulfilled the need for height, and minimized visual impact.

The board approved the application with conditions, including relocating access points and restricting generator testing to weekdays during business hours. A variance for a 7-foot fence height was also granted. The approval was contingent on maintaining the aesthetic coherence between the antennas and the water tank, requiring repainting if the tank’s color changes.

In other matters, the board also granted approval for Edward Dwire’s application on Spring Road, which involved adding a second story and making renovations to his home. The application, which required variances for side yard setbacks, was supported by the board and neighbors, who viewed it as an enhancement to the neighborhood.