GMCA Argues Against Extension of Trinity Lane Tower

On Sept. 16, the Upper Merion Township Zoning Hearing Board considered an application of Clearwire US LLC to request a variance to permit an 8-foot extension of an existing 110-foot "stealth tree tower" for the collocation of wireless communications antenna at roughly 118 feet. The tower, said to be owned by AT&T, is located at 1050 Trinity Lane (aka 1050 Trinity Road). This has been a rental property on the hill at the end of Trinity Lane (Road) near the expressway entrance at South Gulph.

The meeting was attended by Rich Dougert, President of GMCA and a Trinity Lane resident. One other GMCA board member attended.

Rich presented our concerns including: avoidance of illumination requirements, general appearance (the tower is a stealth tower and looks like a tree), maximum build-out, storm water run off, and lack of property ownership presence necessary to make legal agreements.

Here are the meeting conclusions:

• The board deferred a vote of approval till a pictorial rendering could be submitted. The Clearwire attorney will send Rich, the zoning board, and several other residents, a rendition prior to the next meeting (Oct. 7th).
• The board advised the tower height for illumination is 210 feet - the extension would bring the tower up to 118 feet, so illumination is not an issue.
• The tower extension would maintain a tree-like appearance.
• The tower will be at about 92% capacity for structural integrity and, in effect will be "maxed out" from an engineering perspective.
• Existing footings will support the tower. Runoff will not be appreciably increased.
• The board also asked the Clearwire attorney if the property owner would agree, by letter or through an appearance at the next meeting, to making this the final extension of the tower. The attorney agreed to try to secure that agreement for the next meeting.