Following Public Hearings Thursday on allowing two new communications towers to be constructed in the county, Washington County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-0 to support the requests.
by Kathy Foster
Meeting again with representatives of Coral Towers Wireless Communications Thursday morning, commissioners heard from County Planner Steve Creamer who reviewed the two tower construction requests submitted by the firm and said that staff reports reflect that all requirements have been met.
The first Tower Request was for a location near the intersection of Gap Blouevard and Deltona Boulevard in the Sunny Hills area. Creamer said there had been no opposition to that location. However, he did say that the owner of neighboring property of the second location request, on the West side of State Road 77, had objectedto the construction of that tower.
That property owner, R.D. Easterling, was present at the meeting and indicated his concern that construction of the wireless communication tower next to his property would de-value his land. Commissioners said they had appraisals on property in other areas where communications towers had been constructed and there had been no devaluation of property values.
Commissioners also approved two Future Land Use Map Amendments during Thursday’s meeting. Both were approved in 4-0 votes.
The first land use amendment was for one acre along Hwy 77, south of I-10. Dubbed, the Arnold Property, Creamer said request met all County and State requirements and was expected to help promote economic development along that portion of the Hwy 77 corridor.
The second land use amendment was for the Cleveland property on Douglas Ferry Road. And once again, Creamer said the request met all County and State requirements.
The county commissioners also took the following actions at Thursday’s meeting:
- Approved the expenditure of up to $15,000 for refurbishing the fountain at the entrance to Sunny Hills as recommended by the Sunny Hills MSBU Authority board.
- Approved the expenditure of up to $30,000 for an electronic information sign to be placed somewhere near the Hwy 77 entrance to Sunny Hills. Again, as recommended by the Sunny Hills MSBU Authority.
- Discussed establishing a coordinator’s position for the MSBU Authority, but indicated they wanted more information. However, they did note there would be office space available at the Sunny Hills Community Center.
- Approved a 12-month contract extension on the Wheeler contract dealing with FEMA work.
- Voiced pleasure that property owners along Kent Road are working with the County concerning deeding right-of-way for the needed road work.
- Announced the County is still working to eliminate problems at the south end of the Orange Hill Road.