Rostraver Township commissioners approve new cellphone tower
ROSTRAVER TOWNSHIP – Verizon Wireless is moving forward with plans to add a new cellphone tower in the township, following approval from the township’s commissioners.
The board held a public hearing during their regular monthly meeting this week to hear comments about a request from Capital Telecom Holdings II LLC and Pittsburgh SMSA Limited Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, for conditional use of a communications tower off Plaza Drive in Rostraver Township.
Among those who addressed the board was John Fuhry, a township resident. Fuhry, expressed concerns that his property value may drop because of the towner, and asked representatives from Capital Telecom Holdings and Verizon about lighting requirements.
Joe Perotti, an attorney representing the applicants, said the proposed tower meets the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) monitoring requirements.
“Because this tower will be less than 200 feet tall, lighting won’t be required,” said Perotti. “There won’t be any need for beacon or strobe lights.”
Also addressing the board was Pat Alberts, senior vice president and chief operating officer for Monongahela Valley Hospital. Alberts asked if the tower could potentially cause problems with medical equipment at MVH’s HealthPlex facility off Route 51 but was told there won’t be any interference issues.
Commission Chairman Devin DeRienzo said the tower will be an asset for for the township.
“There is a huge gap in coverage from Rostraver Airport on Route 51 to the Route 201 corridor,” he said. “Cellphone coverage frequently gets dropped in that area. This tower will help to address that problem.”
Commissioners DeRienzo, Ray Iacoboni, Gary Litvany and Gary Beck Sr. voted to approve conditional use of the tower, contingent upon the applicants receiving stormwater approval. Commissioner Henry Boldyzar Jr. was not present for the meeting.
Also, during the meeting, Beck announced the township will hold its Electronic Recycling and Tire Recycling Drop Off Days on Friday, May 10, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rostraver Township Road Department Building. Each household in Rostraver Township will be allowed to drop off up to three electronic items and/or six tires. Township employees will be on site to help unload items. Photo ID must be provided for proof of township residency. No household hazardous waste will be accepted. More information is available at www.rostraver.us.
In addition, the board heard concerns from residents about a 500-megawatt power plant that will be built by Invenergy in neighboring Elizabeth Township. DeRienzo said that while the commissioners have no control over what happens in Elizabeth Township, they will continue to closely monitor the development. He said the commissioners are asking Elizabeth Township officials for more information about the project.
In other business, the board:
n Voted to add one additional member to the Recreation Board. Letters of interest will be accepted after the township advertises the opening.
n Authorized Chairman DeRienzo to sign an application and agreement for a state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant. DeRienzo said the township is seeking money to add a walking track at the DiVirgilio Sports Complex, as well as to update the dugouts and pave the parking lot at the facility.
n Announced that the annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 20, starting at 1 p.m. at the municipal building.