HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP200900004 Legacy Document 2009-08-18 (3)Memorandum
Date: August 14, 2009
To: Albemarle County Planning Commission
Subject: Proposal for cell tower in Key West subdivision, SPD200900004 Elledge
Property
As the Chairperson for the County's Natural Heritage Committee, I was asked by Key
West citizens to convey my concerns for the proposed cell tower construction at 415 Key
West Drive. This area is on a critical slope and I understand that AT &T is asking for a
waiver of the ordinance banning construction at such sites.
This area is one of the highly sensitive areas identified by the County's Biodiversity
Work Group several years ago and one that should be strictly protected. The Natural
Heritage Committee identified this in its first annual report to the Board of Supervisors
three years ago, and protection status was endorsed by the Board at that time.
Further, my understanding is that waivers on construction bans are generally granted only
when there is considered to be "no detriment" to the neighbors or the area. It is hard to
imagine how construction activities including road grading, etc. would not create erosion
and runoff problems. It clearly is also the case that many of the immediate neighbors are
opposed to the action.
Lastly, I would like to add that our Committee does not normally involve itself in
individual projects or site reviews in the County. However, since this type of activity
clearly violates the intent of an earlier agreement on protected areas with the Board, I felt
it necessary to provide our perspective. Approving this requested waiver could set a
dangerous precedent for the protection of natural resources in the County.
For these reasons, we recommend a denial of the waiver by AT &T for this site.
Sincerely,
R. Michael Erwin
Chairman, Natural Heritage Committee