With almost 20 residents in attendance, the Lima Township Board of Trustees met to discuss a proposed new cell tower to possibly be erected by Verizon Wireless. The tower would be located just north of Dexter-Chelsea Road, less than a half mile east of Freer Road (see above map).
According to Verizon representatives present at the meeting, actual data shows a significant gap in coverage for a sizeable portion of Lima Township (see comparison map below). This coverage gap would be virtually eliminated with the proposed new cell tower.
Resident opinion was expressed both for and against the tower, with opposing residents stating that they moved to the country to get away from the “bells and whistles” of our technological society. Residents for the proposed tower stated their frustration at the spotty internet and mobile device coverage within the township.
There was also disagreement on whether property values near the proposed tower would fall or not.
After a rather heated discussion, the Township Board unanimously approved a proposal for the erection of the tower with conditions.
The company must get approval by the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) for the proposed access drive to the tower and forward a copy of a letter from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) showing compliance with regulations for lighting on the proposed 195-foot tower.
Board Member Greg McKenzie added a condition that would clarify possible conflicting language between the township ordinance concerning the placement and erection of such towers, and the language in the township Master Plan.
In other news, more than 1,700 townships residents voted in the recent election, which is over 60 percent of the registered voters in the township. The board offered thanks to Bill Coury and others, who helped ready the Township Hall for the election.
The McKinley Road Bridge construction is proceeding now that a gas main has been moved. There are four pylons to drive before the new bridge can be installed, according to Township Supervisor Craig Maier.
Maier also gave thanks to the members of Moose Lodge 1253 for sprucing up the Lima Center Cemetery on Sunday, Nov. 2.
There has also been significant progress made on the new Chelsea Area Fire Authority (CAFA) substation near the intersection of Jackson and Lima Center Roads.
I was shocked to see that the yellow dot showing the location of the approved cell tower was in our front yard. They never even asked our permission. Actually, after a few quick phone calls I determined that the correct location is almost one mile east of the yellow dot, just south of Dexter-Chelsea Road and west of Fletcher Road.