HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP201200020 Legacy Document 2012-05-17 (6)1225 Old Ballard Road
Charlottesville, VA 22901
434 - 979 -8844
May 11, 2012
County of Albemarle
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Attn: Ms. Sarah Baldwin
Senior Planner Zoning Services
Ref: SDP201200020 NTelos
Tax Map 05900- 00- 00 -028CO
Subj: 1225 Old Ballard Road, Charlottesville
Dear Ms. Baldwin,
It has come to our attention that NTelos would like to erect an 85' cell tower on the adjoining property
to the rear of our house. I would like to state for the record that my wife and I are opposed to the plan
as currently proposed. While the tower will not be located specifically on our property, it is in direct
view from our house regardless of where one stands.
We were notified by mail about intended "balloon test" to be performed on February 27, 2012 between
9:00 am and 11:00 am by NTelos. A meeting of which we did not attend because we did not receive the
mailing until that afternoon. However, we were aware that something was going on in the rear as when
both my wife and I woke up that morning we could clearly see the red balloon in the air as well as a
people on the ground. It was not until that evening that we realized what that was all about.
Following this I immediately contacted NTelos and discussed their proposal. Jessie Wilmer of NTelos
offered to return to the site and perform another balloon test for us but we said it was unnecessary as
the material facts of the test would not change. A decision we now regret as we have no photographic
proof to provide why we are as concerned as to the negative impact this tower will have on our
property and its value.
However, Ms. Wilmer along with a colleague did visit my wife and me at our house and we discussed
why that site and possible alternatives to relocate the proposed tower. One such alternative was to
locate the pole on the side of our property that not only sits higher then the intended site but is
completely covered year round with a grove of evergreen, mostly cedar, trees. Ms. Wilmer did return a
second time to our property to run a second balloon test but NTelos rejected the site as it would possibly
require setback variances and was visible from the street. Why I do not doubt the impact to the street
above the cedar trees, is it not better to impact an inanimate object such as a street rather then create an
eyesore to a human neighbor and devalue its property value?
Another alternative we discussed in the event our location was rejected by NTelos as it was, with the
neighbors property being eight acres, cannot NTelos find another location on his property. If the
neighbor wants the tower and it works for NTelos, let NTelos relocate the tower on his eight acres so
that it impacts his rental properties rather then our single family residence.
Our house has been in the family since 1978 and we ourselves have lived there since 1996. One of the
most valuable assets our property has is the natural vista from our rear yard deck across the
undeveloped flood plains. To locate such an artificial tower would be a disgrace to the natural beauty
we so treasure. I understand that such towers are placed within areas where a grove of trees exist and
can be ten feet higher then the tallest tree with a given distance. In this case, this is not the case.
While there are some tall trees within the vicinity, no such grove of `tall' trees exists. Actually, over the
years we have watched the silver maples and pine trees fall as the winds whip up or the trees just
expire due to age. Actually, some of the fallen trees are still visible on the ground as they still lay their
including one huge pine which measures more then thirty-six inches in diameter in our own backyard.
Bottom line, any Arborist will tell you that a 'free standing' shallow rooted tree, especially in soft earth,
will topple easier in strong winds then a cluster of similar trees. A true cluster of trees regardless of
species helps buffer the winds thus buffering against a catastrophic collapse. If my count is right, this
proposed site includes only a smattering of tall maples and pine trees. While I understand that there are
safeguards in place to help mitigate the loss of trees, man cannot control nor beat what Mother Nature
throws at it.
A final thing I would like to mention is that the bottom of this tower while partially obscured during the
foliage months, will be completely visible from the ground to the top during the months which there is
no foliage present as was evident in our February surprise. While Ms. Wilmer has attempted to address
our concerns, we have yet to have a meeting of the minds.
In summary, while not looking for a fight we respectfully request that the Planning Commission reject
this application. I have attached various e -mail communications between Ntelos and myself as well as
an aerial photograph of our house in relation to the proposed site.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Arthur M. Valente
Alyson C. Valente
Enc. E -mail communications and aerial photograph
Cc: Mr. Bill Fritz by e -mail