STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA ) COUNTY OF STOKES  OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONERS STOKES COUNTY GOVERNMENT DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA TUESDAY AUGUST 6, 2024  )  The Board of Commissioners oft the County of Stokes, State ofNorth Carolina, met for a Planning Meeting in the Commissioners' Chambers oft the Ronald Wilson Reagan Memorial Building (Administration Building) located in Danbury, North Carolina on Tuesday  August 6, 2024 at 6:00 pm with the following members present:  Chairman Brad Chandler Vice Chairman Keith Wood Commissioner Sonya Cox Commissioner Ronnie Mendenhall Commissioner Rick Morris County Personnel in Attendance: Planning Director Eric Nance  Interim County Manager/Clerk to the Board. Amber Brown  Chairman Chandler called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance.  INVOCATION  Chairman Chandler invited those in attendance to join the Board ini the invocation, ifs sO desired.  Chairman Chandler delivered thel Invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  Chairman Chandler invited those in attendance to join the Board in thel Pledge of Allegiance.  CONFLICT OF INTEREST  Chairman Chandler asked ifany Board member had a conflict ofi interest with any oft the items presented ont the agenda for the meeting or one that could be perceived as a conflict ofinterest.  No conflicts ofi interest were stated by thel Board.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA  1  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Chairman Chandler entertained motion to amend tonight's agenda.  With no amendments to the agenda, Chairman Chandler entertained ai motion to approve Commissioner. Morris moved to approve the agenda as presented. Commissioner Cox seconded  tonight's agenda. the motion,  Chairman Chandler opened the floor for iscussion/questions/comments.  With no discussion, the motion passed unanimously.  PUBLIC COMMENTS  Chairman Chandler opened the: floor for public comments. There was no one signed up to speak during public comments. With no speakers, Chairman Chandler closed the public comments Rezoning Request Case #24-371 The' Towers, LLC d/b/a Vertical Bridge Chairman Chandler requested Planning and Zoning Director Eric Nance to give al brief  presentation before the public hearing.  Planning/Zoning Director. Eric Nance. presented. the following information regarding the. Rezoning Request - The Towers LLC d/b/a Vertical Bridge #24-371: (detailed information can be obtained from Planning Director) Eric Nance or the Clerk to the Board) Request: Request by applicant The Towers, LLC d/b/a Vertical Bridge to rezone approximately 100' x 100' from Residential Agricultural (RA) tol Residential Agricultural Conditional (RA-CZ) for the construction ofa 195 ft. cell tower tol be located at the corner of Keaton and Lynchburg  Roads Case No. #24-371 Property Owner: Earl Frazier Parcel IDs# 6907-87-6834 Deed Book: 729 Page 133 Township: Quaker Gap Site Information: Total Parcel Size: 22.54 acres Flood Hazard Area: n/a Watershed District: n/a  Applicant: The Towers LLC d/b/a Vertical Bridge  Location: Lynchburg and Keaton Road, Westfield, NC 27053  Rezoning Parcel Size: 100"x100" footprint oft the tower  2  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Surrounding Land Use: The surrounding land use consists ofresidential and agricultural  development Issues to Consider:  Supports communication of emergency and county services Potential tax basei increase due to expansion ofcommercial property Bridges the gap in cellular service for Stokes County citizens Planning Director Nance continued with the: following comments:  Seei no problem with the request in that the expansion ofthe property for a cell tower would bel beneficial to the County and emergency services as well as service for our Thej proposal supports the Stokes County 2035 Comprehensive Plan because it addresses the concern for the lack of cell service in Stokes County, as was stated by Stokes County This proposal provides potential tax base increase due to the expansion of commercial  county citizens, local business, and tourism citizens in the Comprehensive Plan  property and it is reasonable and ini thej public interest  PUBLIC: HEARING  Chairman Chandler opened the floor for the Public Hearing regarding the Rezoning Request Case #24-371 The Towers, LLCd d/b/a Vertical Bridge to rezone approximately 100' x 100' from Residential Agricultural (RA) to Residential Agricultural Conditional Zoning (RA-CZ) at US- NC- 5225 Highway 268 (Keaton Road): for the construction ofa wireless communications tower  to fill the gapi in cellular service. The following spoke during the Public Hearing: Attorney Tom Johnson Williams Mullen Law) Firm 301 Fayetteville Street- - Suite 1700 Raleigh, NC 27601  Attorney Tom Johnson presented the following comments: Speaking tonight on behalf of the applicant Appreciate being allowed to speak tonight Appreciate the comments presented by Director Nance Would like to make another comment for the record:  The County hires a consultant tol help in evaluating towers which is ag good thing tol have for another point of view and someone else looking at it The consultant too supports rezoning for the tower at this location and has confirmed that wel have met all the requirements oft the ordinance (there are extensive: requirements within the ordinance that wel have to go through that we Have worked with this consultant both here in Stokes County and in other  have to meet0 counties before  They did go through the package very carefully  3  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    o They are very thorough at examining the application  Director Nance is exactly right, both in state policy because straight from the state statute, itis aj policy of this state to: facilitate thej placement ofwireless communication support Inj your own ordinance, its Preamble states that the purpose: ist to ensure: ready availability ofreliable wireless service to the public, government agencies, and First] Responders with Int the addition to that, the County recognizes that facilitating the development ofwireless service technology can be an economic development asset to the County and a significant Inthis instance, I am representing the' Tower Company here on behalfo ofVerizon Verizon Wireless has evaluated and seen the need for service int this location and more Iti is for folks in the County to get access to 911 when they need it and for thel First Buti it has also become more than that, I1 mean most folks use their wireless phone now as Ifsomething happens, the first thing that they are going to do is pick up their phone and Butl beyond that, you have got al lot of natural resources here in the County and there are a lot of applications on phones that help folks as they enjoy those natural resources such as Ihave an application personally on my phone that ifI am out in the woods and I want to know what bird sounds are around, I can record that, and it will tell me what kind ofbird Ita also helps you ini finding trails that you may want to walk, identifying wildlife, and All oft that in combination is sO much available to the general public and to community But beyond that, it is for business purposes, businesses use: it, individuals use it when You could see al lot of people up here that may want to enjoy Stokes County and may live int the bigger cities but want to bel here and work - they have access, and it gives them an  structures in all areas ofNorth Carolina  thei intention of furthering public safety and general welfare  benefit to the County and its residents  Wireless  important than anything else, it is for First Responders Responders to be able to communicate with 911 opposed tol having a landline and they use iti in their homes  they need it to work Hanging Rock made those chirps.  vegetation that are around that you want to enjoy wireless service: is really necessary  they are say working atl home and working remotely  opportunity to have access to wireless service and the internet  That is why we arel here That is why we are requesting thet tower  Now we go through aj process and your County requires aj pretty extensive process Wel have tol have al balloon test and aj public information meeting, which we did We did not have al lot of folks show up at the public information meeting 0 A summary oft the comments presented at the public information meeting has been submitted to the Planning Department for the record Would like tol highlight really the two things that I got from looking at that summary and the two concerns that were expressed: Number one - the exposure to radio frequency  4  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Obviously, at tower has radio transmitters on itj just like thej phone I carry that has wireless transmitters A lot oft things in your home has wireless transmitters from your television to your microwave oven They are all governed by the FCC The FCC1 has specific rules and limitations on how they operate and licenses those just like they do the carriers North Carolina law recognizes that and says health and safety of RF emissions is not part ofwhat the governing body can consider ini making this decision because that is within the: federal purview and the regulations that govern that and making sure: iti is safe Clearly, North Carolina law says that is not part of this tonight As] part oft thei record, Ihave got Michael Berkowitz here tonight Hej prepared an impact study that found that there would be no adverse: impact ofthis tower on adjoining properties Wel have a lot of data from that over many years ini many locations  Number two - impact on property values: who is al North Carolina appraiser  tos show that That is really not a concern  Those were really the twoj primary concerns that I saw from anything in that neighborhood meeting record that we did when we did the balloon test Presented aj power point presentation regarding thel balloon test that was done Did photo simulations as part oft the test - it is really kind of amazing where Thesephoto.simulations in my. experience. are. spot on in terms. ofv what. it will look The site itself, as displayed during the power point presentation, isi in a very We are going to have to clear out a small spot tol be able toj put everything in there Per the balloon test, as shown on thej power point presentation, the tower is really Showed several photos from thel balloon test: from several different areas - Keaton Road, Lynchburg Road, Mountain Mist Road, Mickey Road, Moore's Springs  technology! has come like wooded area  (tower and associated ground equipment)  hard to see  Road, and Highway 66 South  That is why we are here tonight to improve the service in the area Both the County and the consultant support it and stated that wel have met the requirements, gone through and checked all the boxes Huge application package but a good bit oft that is the federal NEPA statement that we For every site, the cell carriers on the cell tower site and the tower itselfa are registered  havet to do  with the federal government  5  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    You have to follow what is called the National Environmental Policy. Act which requires you to do all sorts ofs studies - environmental, Native. American tribal sites, historical properties, wildlife to make sure we are not endangering any threatened species, etc. Ofthe 500+ pages oft the application, these studies are substantially al lot ofthe 500-+ pages that are required by the: federal government on every site There has tol be a sign off regarding any historical property point of view from the  State Historic Preservation Office  All oft that has been done regarding this application  Would request that Mr. Berkowitz be allowed toj provide the Board with al briefs statement which would also allow the Board to ask Mr. Berkowitz questions that you may have of Iam available to answer any questions you may have at this point regarding the  him application  Chairman Chandler opened the: floor for any questions for Mr. Johnson. There werei no questions for Mr. Johnson at this time.  Mr. Johnson reiterated that he would be able anytime during the meeting for questions.  Michael Berkowitz 1100 Sundance Drive Concord, North Carolina  Michael Berkowitz presented the: following comments:  Itisg good tol bel back in Stokes County, come here quite al bit is deleterious toj property values ofthe surrounding properties First, Idid was a quantitative analysis  Idid an impact study ofhis proposed tower (presented aj power point presentation). There are two ways from an appraisal viewpoint that you would look at as to whetheri it  First, I searched for al lot oftowers in Stokes County, unfortunately, in Stokes County there are not enough data, or the quality of data was inadequate to perform what Ic call as a quantitative analysis Iprovided examples in the impact study ofac quantitative analysis Ialso performed a qualitative analysis as you can see: in some ofthese pictures that were presented during thej power point presentation - thei infrastructure as seen in some oft the pictures, poses a much larger visual footprint than thet tower Iti is based upon that in accordance with the County's ordinance about maintaining the This tower, as proposed, would not be deleterious toj property values or to the  would because of distance, screening, and other factors  aesthetics oft the area, as well as the overall character  surrounding: property Bel happy to answer. any questions  Chairman Chandler opened the floor for any questions for Mr. Berkowitz.  6  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Commissioner Morris questioned Mr. Berkowitz. had he ever evaluated a site where the tower  did affect the property values. Mr. Berkowitz responded:  Ihave never seen a credible quantitative analysis  Qualitatively, especially in the Foothills and the: mountains, Ihave seen a couple where they tried toj put them and Iwould not testify because they had like al big panoramic view, because ofthe topography, the businesses were. literally 100 ft. out their window andI  would not testify that it was not going to hurt  Quantitatively,Ihave: never seen any credible analysis performed With no further speakers, Chairman Chandler closed the public hearing.  PUBLIC COMMENTS  Chairman Chandler opened the floor for public comments. Chairman Chandler noted the following: Each speaker gets up to: four minutes  When the four minutes is up, Iwill let eachj person finish their sentence/thought Each person is allowed to give up their four minutes to another individual Ifyou havel been given additional time by another speaker, please let the Board know  when you come up Robin Riddlebarger 1336 Hooker Farm Road Westfield, NC Re: Proposed Cell Tower  Park Superintendent ofHanging Rock State Park  Robin Riddlebarger presented the following comments: Appreciate the opportunity to speak tonight updating our exclusionary zone information  Appreciation to Director Nance and Greg Hunsucker: for helping us tweak our maps and An extrai thanks to former Planning Director David Sudderth tol having the: forethought to even] putting this in the Planning Ordinance way back before cell towers were: a thing Want to quickly go over a: few key points from the September 22, 2023 letter from the Hanging Rock Park Advisory Committee that was sent to Director Eric Nance and the The Hanging Rock. Advisory Committee is made up ofnine stakeholder groups with a person that represents each group: (several are here that will also be speaking tonight)  Chairman oft the Planning Board  Will leave a copy oft the entire letter for your review  Environmental interests Business Senior citizens Local government  7  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Local parks and recreation General! Park user Education Youth Diverse communities  The group is local citizens who advocate forj park users, park neighbors, and advise the Hanging Rock Park staff on what the group they represent = what those people's interest  are: inj park activities and business  The group had volunteers come and view the balloon test:  Itv was easily seen spotted without binoculars from thel Moore's Knob Tower This tower site is 147: ft. from the one-mile exclusionary zone  There is a one-mile zone around the park where there can'tbe any towers Then there is ai two- and three-mile zone where the Park. Advisory Committee gets to comment on how they feel about the tower itself The letter includes comments regarding thei tower being considered tonight Technically, the proposed site: is outside the one-mile exclusionary zone, but we believe it violates the spirit oft the ordinance which is toj protect of viewshed, the character, and Yes, this cell tower with one-to-two-mile radius ofservice may: provide Verizon users and possibly others along with potentially park visitors better access to 911 and cell Be assured that every member of the committee is very sensitive to the need toj provide Itv was brought to our attention during our stakeholders' meeting, there is an unused. tower. with a different carrier in the area and we. have not heard sufficient answer as to why itis For the reasons provided and with thel belief that our decision is ini thel besti interest of both the visitors to thej park and the citizens of the county; we do not support the approval Wei respectfully encourage the exploration of other options that include alternate sites We are aware that our input is ai recommendation and that thej proposed tower is still The committee in the future is going to bel looking into excluding the zone into a larger In addition tol hitting those highlights, I want to hit a fewl highlights your ownj policy:  scenic beauty that that residents and visitors alike value This proposed cell tower sets an undesired precedent  coverage  cmergency rescue services and obviously Ihave an: interest int that However, we firmly oppose cell towers that mar our viewshed  not used ift that ist the case  oft thej proposed tower on Keaton Road  and/or technologies  subject to approval by the county limit - up to three miles  o Going ini reverse order - page 171 - section 4:  No tower shall be located within an adopted viewshed protection zone as indicated on the maps - shall include one (1) mile exclusionary area around Hanging Rock and the area of) Brown Mountain measured 500ft. The location of any tower proposed within two (2) and three (3) mile viewshed protection zone shall bei reviewed by thel Hanging Rock  from the top  8  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Advisory Board for ai recommendation to the Planning Board and the Applicants shall locate, site and erect all Facilities and associated equipment in accordance with the: following priorities, in the: following a) On existing structures without increasing the height oft the tower or b) On County-owned properties or facilities c) On existing structures without increasing thel height oft the structure by more than is technically needed d) On properties in areas zoned for commercial or industrial use On properties in areas zoned for agricultural use Onj properties in areas zoned for residential use without increasing the height ofthe support structure and only if camouflaged or stealth technology is utilized tot the satisfaction oft the Board of Onj properties in designated Historic Districts  Board of Commissioners Page 170- paragraph 1  order:  structure  Commissioners  Chairman Chandler informed Park Superintendent Riddlebarger that her: four-minute time was Park Superintendent Riddlebarger expressed her appreciation for being allowed to speak and submitted the letter from the Hanging Rock Advisory Committee to Director Nance: for the  up.  Board's review. Henry Fansler 919 Williams Road Lewisville, NC Re: Proposed Cell' Tower  Henry Fansler presented the following comments:  Do live in] Forsyth County but spend al lot oftime here in Stokes County Iam the vice chair ofthel Hanging Rock Park Advisory Committee, at trail volunteer and  volunteer int the visitor center  The committee did decide to not approve this location Personally, I am aware oft the need for cell phone coverage With there was coverage in the campground atl Hanging Rock State Park Iwish there was more coverage on the upper parking lot near the lake just in case Ihave reconnected al hiker tol his family on the Cook Wall Trail via cell phone mainly because they took time to look at the places where they were at and: noted the numbers at Ihave loaned my personal cell phone to another visitor so that she could contact her parents sO that her parents could send notification to a locksmith to authorize him to open  someone needed to call out their locations  9  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    her parents' car which she had borrowed to come to thej park and locked up thel keys Thei important thing here is that people come here for the park, for Vaden Mecum, fort the river, and protecting those: resources is a function oft thej park and part oft the function of The viewshed which helped to establish many, many: years agoi is very important When they come here, in my perspective, at least as it involves me when they come tot the visitor center, I am going to offer them othert things to do ifthey request them recreation resources on1 the Dan River, dining opportunities, and even aj place to buy art Itwill be good to have more effective locations, I can see the need for more locations  inside  There isi never a dull moment at the visitor's center  the Advisory Committee People come here to look  We: are not opposed to cell towers Wea are opposed tot this location  Please have care for our viewshed at the park  Thank you Ashley. Johnson 1221 Capella School Road King, North Carolina Re: Proposed Cell' Tower  Ashley. Johnson presented the: following comments:  Iami the education member oft the Park Advisory Committee Our committee takes the viewshed pretty seriously  When it comes to what we are going to see from the park; that is definitely something Ifv we: are going tol be able to see the cell phone tower: from the park, it is something that In addition to that, all other conservation ideas that we have int thej park we would also be Asar member oft the community that lives in Stokes County, there are other things that are also important to me and also important to a lot of people that live in Stokes County o Onel being that we either moved here for the rural nature ofit or decided to stay There is also that we do want connectivity, we. had an outage near where I1 livedj just a couple of days ago and we certainly felti it - wei need the connectivity Iam aj parent, so Ineed my kids to be able to contact emergency services ift they need to Iam also at teacher, so Iwould like for my students to be able to be connected so they can  that wel hold- dear to- us we would argue against in favor oft those  here for the rural nature ofit  or get in touch with me do their work when they are at home  Rural nature is important, being connected is still important The way) I am looking at this is that the placement of future towers  This is a good opportunity for this community to come together to find more appropriate sites that don'tinterfere with our overall beauty either visually, auditory, or otherwise  10  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    and that we make it well placed enough so we can connect everybody in our county and Iam hoping that you will deny the placement of this tower ini favor of a different site farther from Hanging Rock State Park and farther from some oft thej private homes  in our community Thank you Debbie Cunningham 1050 Mountain: Mist Road Westfield, NC Re: Proposed Cell Tower package)  Debbie Cunningham presented the following comments: (presented the Board with aj petition Ilive off] Keaton Road, my home is located within 1,500 ft. ofthat 195: ft. cell tower Ijust want to state, when they made these pictures, just so you know, you can see how Guess what, ini the wintertime, that foliage goes away, and we are going to see even: more  much foliage is on the trees That is another thing that we don't want The petition results given to you are as follows:  The online results show that 66 individuals are opposed to the cell tower, they may livei int the area or just travel to visit thel beautiful mountains and our trails They do not want to see the cell tower in our viewshed The door-to-door results show that there was: substantial opposition of1 108 local That is at total of1 174 who said no - we don'twant this cell tower The majority of thel landowners at both the balloon test and the Planning Board Meeting were opposed to the cell tower which isi in the packet I provided tonight Those landowners whose property. join and the adjacent landowners accounting for over 95% of1 the surrounding acreage are also opposed to the cell tower For thej properties on Keaton Road subject to notification like: myselfnearly 91% ofthe landowners representing over 95% oft the acreage do not want this cell tower Just ai reminder, the State Park. Advisory Committee of] Hanging Rock are 100% against The Planning Board of Stokes County voted against this cell tower also In the petition packets that I presented to you for review have: morei information - on the left side is the petition letter used online and going door to door Idon't! have time to read each paper provided to you, but you willl have documents such as information on the residents who live on Keaton Road subject to notification and residents on Keaton Road, properties thatj join, adjacent landowners, public meeting All this information has been broken down for casierunderstanding Ont the right oft the packet, is the online and the door-to-door signatures - they do not Soi ini reality, we do not want to attempt to rezone the property for the cell towner use and  residents that were opposed to this cell tower  celli tower because it would invade the viewshed  information, and that balloon test want this cell tower  forit it to affect our lives and it does devalue our treasured homes There has been much research done on devaluing homes  11  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Ihave butt dialed, did not know thatId did it, and: received a visit from the Sheriff's Ihave çalled 911 for ambulance to come to my home, Iused Verizon, and my cell phone worked just fine without this new cell tower; Ihave no drop calls with the current Personally, we: moved to North Carolina from Florida to get away from all the cell towers, the hustle ofe everyday life, and to enjoy the beauty that surrounds, not to havea The cell tower will remove our pleasure and safety for my family and my friends We the people say no to this cell tower and as you can see from the petition, iti is just not  Department  coverage in this area  cell tower show up sO very close to our doorsteps  wanted here Thank you Ronda Crumley 605 Clearbrook Drive Rural Hall, NC Re: Proposed Cell Tower  Ronda Crumley stated that she would like to give her time to Sue Hodkinson who follows her in order for her toj present her information and for the recordI am opposed to this cell tower  location. Sue Hodkinson 1050 Mountain Mist Road Westfield, NC Re: Proposed Cell Tower  Sue Hodkinson presented the: following comments:  Ireside at 10501 Mountain Mist Road with my sister, Debbie Cunningham Iasked to speak tonight on thej pending 195 ft. monopole cell tower to be placed on the property located at the corner of] Keaton and Lynchburg Roads - zoned residential,  agricultural properties  Tonight, my question is directed tot the Board of Commissioners That question is - "how do we: measure the will oft the people" monopole cell tower as 11 previously just mentioned  Iwould like to: revisit aj public meeting held on June 4th at 6:00 pm concerning the 195ft. The public was invited to attend, more than 17 representatives of families arrived to voice their opinions and concerns at this scheduled: meeting in opposition tot the tower Much to my surprise when the people were told the meeting had been cancelled with no As one who came to voice my concerns, I was recently asked how did it make me feel My response was simply that Ii felt duped like the system had failed us Upon leaving thel building, there were others arriving to speak only to be told the meeting  prior notification given  when we were told the meeting had been cancelled  had been cancelled  12  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Tonight, iti is thel heart oft the people Iwish tol be heard and fairly heard to bej justifiably considered as everyday citizens, hard workers, homeowners, farmers, and retirees who have made it their mandate to stop the intrusion of this 195 ft. cell tower into their lives Wea are asking this because we do not want this tower sO close to our homes, our families, our children, our right of way not toi mention every day tol being subjected to whati is considered by the United States Department ofHousing along with other departments a Some research suggest that cell towers radiation may be linked to health issues such as cancer, brain tumors, and weaken immune function There are: so: many pros and cons within this cell topic of cell towers placed within residential family properties that others here tonight will address My concern ist to embrace the will oft thel homeowners who actually live adjacent tot the property where this 195 ft. cell tower willl be placed and will bei in operation The owner oft this parcel ofland will not be affected one way or the other - they do not This property ist to bel leased out creating financial gain for him without consideration for Itis one thing for people to decide to build their home near a cell tower because that is their choice; however, iti is a completely different matter to force a cell tower on an existing community when they don't want it and they didn'task forit This 195: ft. monopole cell tower was nonexistent at the time oft their purchase of Should this tower bej placed upon this parcel ofland, it will certainly influence these families income, should they decide to sell their property and home in the future We-are asking that we- would- safeguard our human- health, our environment by-a airing caution on behalf oft the people by empowering us wet thej people - in this matter and: for no other reason, let thel heart and the voice and the will oft this people living and thriving in this areal bel heard and accepted, to be acknowledged, and to empower them to secure Lastly, Ifeel that with all the challenges, hardships, changes facing our world today, this 195: ft. cell tower in the face ofthese people should be overturned and dismissed as Tonight, we the people have submitted 172 signatures in opposition to the placement of the cell tower onto thej property. located at the corner of Keaton and Lynchburg Roads With this in consideration, I thank you: for your time and efforts ofs support on our behalf  nuisance or al hazard  reside on said property  those who dwell upon this beautiful mountain  property and home  Sol how do we: measure the will of these people here tonight  them with your no decision to the 195 ft. monopole cell tower  unnecessary and grievous  Tammy Brannock 1108 Keaton Road Westfield, NC Re: Proposed Cell Tower  Tammy Brannock] presented the following comments: Iti is less than 500: ft. from my house  Ilivei in the mobile home that you see on one ofthe pictures shown to you  13  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Ioppose it because when you walk out our door, you are going to see it, you go to our kitchen window, you are going to see it, youl have a cookout in the yard, you are going to Oury youngster has heart problems and you can't! prove to: me that will not cause more  seei it problems Idon't want it at all  Ifeel like it will make our land value go down  Iknow they say it will not but who is going to want to buy that land with this big old tower right ini front of your door, Ijust feel like no one: is going to want that Ifyou go to the country, you are going to want to live in the country not with towers  sticking up in your front door That is allIhavet to say  Kyle Brannock 1108 Keaton Road Westfield, NC Re: Proposed Cell Tower  Kyle Brannock presented the following comments:  Ilove nature, Ilove going outside, Istay outside, as soon asl Iwalk out my door that will  bei the first thing that Isee  Ifigure it is not good for the animals or the humans Everything that II had to say has already been said Iam against it and I do not want it That is alll Ihave to say  Ifyou could go back to the: first screen you could seel how closel I am to the tower  Geraldine Keaton Ahting 1211 Keaton Road Westfield, NC Re: Proposed Cell' Tower  Geraldine Ahting presented the: following comments:  Our community is adamantly opposed in case you haven'theard and will: remain steadfast in our opposition to the rezoning request for the placement ofac cell tower on the Thej proposed tower will have dramatic adverse, aesthetic impact; it will reduce our property values; significantly alter the natural beauty ofour neighborhood and forever change the character of our community as well as the entire Hanging Rock State Park Wev would prefer our neighborhood not be turned into an industrial zoned eyesore This massive structure will bel located one tenth ofai mile from the intersection oft the  corner of Keaton and Lynchburg Roads  viewshed  Our community is zoned (RA) Residential and for a good reason  road and will be twice the height oft the trees  14  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Itwill be clearly within view oft the entrance and exit of all the traffic on Keaton Road andi it will most certainly detract from the visual appeal of our neighborhood Thej proposed tower is within close] proximity to ai number oft residents as Tammy and Kylej just explained, it is less than 500 ft. from their front door Our sense of well-being will certainly be directed and effected by its placement and Itwill be the tallest structure in and around the area resulting in a contradictory effect on thec community, landscape, and it will pose an unsightly visual impact for residents and commuters as well as visitors to our Hanging Rock State Park because it is situated Iwould remind you there is al big difference in viewing a fish string with al balloon on the Thej proposed rezoning is inconsistent with the Stokes County 2035 Vision Plan which states that we should discourage commercial land development particularly along rural As previously stated by Robin, from our. Hanging Rock State Park group, they firmly oppose the cell tower that mar our viewshed and with the belief that their decision isi in the besti interest ofboth the visitors tol Hanging Rock State Park and the citizens of Stokes They do not support the approval of the proposed tower on Keaton Road Their recommendation should clearly resolve the debate between the deed for connectivity and preservation of the natural beauty and serenity for areas in our park's We could agree there is absolutely nothing beautiful about a cell tower This industrial installation will be aj permanent structure and will be seen for miles in the surrounding area.and. have- an plpiahsat impact.on.the picturesque scenery from our iconic park and the surrounding area Now, youj just imagine what everyone's view will be like without foliage for 61 months of Wet talk about the park's viewshed, but the viewshed of our neighborhood is of equal During the Planning Board meeting, the applicant's agent stated- quote: "neighbors will Hec continued by stating that oncet the tower is constructed, we will forget where iti is over Clearly this four antenna metal monopole will not bei inl harmony with our community or the spirit and intent oft the Stokes County 2035 Vision Plan's acceptable uses fort this This property would be commercially used in an otherwise: rural setting and would havea significant adverse impact on our community and our park's viewshed In closing, as youl have heard before, we the people, who actually live here, do not want  operation  prominently along thel Highway 268 corridor end ofit versus a 199: ft. metal structure: in your front door  road corridors  County  viewshed  the year andi it isi in your front door  importance to us indeed see thet tower"  time once iti is standing and in place Really, how utterly absurd and insulting that is to us  location  this tower, and we do not want it force upon us Thank you: for your time and consideration  15  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Frank Ahting 1211 Keaton Road Westfield, NC Re: Proposed Cell Tower  Frank Ahting presented the following comments:  Ithink everything has pretty well been said already, Iam not sure what Ic can add to the Iwould like to share Mr. Chairman that Joel Bullins has graciously given mel his extra Public perception of the health risk associated with living inj proximity to cell towers is  topic time real  This reality has been voiced by many ofo our local residents already The cell tower radiation exposures are: non-stop day andi night  We can turn our cell phones off but we can't turn off cell towers' radio frequency Their unattractive appearance, the type oft neighborhood people want to live in, and the effect on property valuations will forge toj play significant roles to deter potential buyers Our properties will be on the market longer and will not attract the normal amount of buyer activity or even an offer without some: form of discounted evaluation Our petition results showed overwhelming opposition with over 90% of community The tower willl be a constant visible eyesore and will have ai negative impact on the Expert witness testimony often times quoted provided by the Bon Appraisal company before. the) FCCreads: inj part- quote: "while. KmpNcafcpatNs, the studies uniformly indicate that there is a significant impact on residential property values from thei installation of cell phone towers, not surprisingly the studies that show little or no impact have been universally commissioned by and paid for by the Even the Appraisal Institute which is the largest global professional organization for appraiser states - quote: "a cell tower should in fact cause a decrease inl home values" We are very conçerned regarding the extent to which the proposed rezoning will be materially detrimental to property evaluations located especially close to the vicinity of We were informed thej purpose oft the cell tower and wel heard it tonight was to benefit Well, we checked with the 911 Communications Center and Fire Marshal staff and1 have spoken with several locals who have called 911 using their cellj phones All of them confirmed that they have not experienced. any cellar connectivity issues in Secondly, we. have spoken with residents, third party delivery drivers, and other users familiar with our community and they all confirm that there is not a need in this  transmissions  and reduce the overall market appeal of our property  residents against the tower at this location health, home, and our land values  telecommunications industry"  the tower  emergency service's access  this area  Let me: repeat, all have confirmed  16  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    immediate area- - thati includes HVAC guys, Terminix people, everyone coming around, To document our personal cellar experience, wel have made several trips (round trips) from the top of] Keaton Road down tot the bottom of Keaton Road and the two miles northeast, southwest we experience no drop calls or dead zones We called various departments along the wayi ini the Stokes County Government Center toe ensure connectivity as well with not any issues Ina addition, state park officials who reviewed thej proposal stated that it did not appear that their visitors at Hanging Rock will notice much difference in connectivity either We are far from convinced that there is even a proven significant gap in coverage or that this proposed location is thel least intrusive means to remedy the asserted gap or that there Who are we1 to believe, are we to believe the applicant's narrative and compliance statement in which they state that - quote: "thej proposed wireless communications facility site meets all the conditions and specifications ofMoore County C Are wet tol believe the many misstatements during the Planning Board meeting - were Are we1 to believe that failure toj provide information is just another oversight Are we1 to believe that a request for delay or continuance of the. June 4th Board of An oversight that the applicant and their agent had well over a dozen opportunities over an extended period oft time prior to the meeting to correct and declined to do sO There is such an extensive list ofissues oversights with this application that it boggles the  we asked  is a lack of feasible alternative locations int this community Thel burden ofproof still rests with the applicant  Was this an oversight those oversights  Commissioners' meeting was because of an oversight  mind. Summary:  Our neighborhood is an intrinsic value oft the community and the natural beauty Some of our families have been here for generations and others bought their homes here because the aesthetic characteristics which define our neighborhood Thej photograph simulations simply confirm and validate what we: already know The natural beauty and character oft the area surrounding Hanging Rock State Park and the visual aspect of our neighborhood and the quality of our life will be We are also very concerned that should the County approve the site, a strong precedent will be set in a green light given for the establishment ofa additional cell towers throughout the two and three mile viewshed protection zones surrounding The proposed site is not consistent with the State and Stokes County 2035 Vision Plan which is to create al healthy build and natural environment in which we = quote: "respect the County's history and: rural character and protect the County's Its specifically classifies our neighborhood and the surrounding area as an open space to rural community which asserts that our community should play an  which we all came here for  forever altered by this proposed 190: ft. metal structure  Hanging Rock State Park  unique natural environment"  important role inj preserving our natural resources  17  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Inc conclusion, we: are emphatically opposed tot the rezoning request for the placement ofa With reference to Stokes County 2035 Vision Plan, 2017 Stokes County Comprehensive Transportation Plan, and the Stokes County Zoning Ordinance, thej proposed site isi not in the best interest oft thel health, safety, and welfare oft the County'si inhabitants and will have a deleteriously effect on the nature and character oft thet neighborhood, community, The natural beauty oft the park and the surrounding area is what binds the entire Stokes Let us not destroy the harmony and the scenic beauty that it sO richly provides Hanging Rock State Park is, after all, the gem of our community We urge the Board to stand with the Hanging Rock State Park Advisory Committee, Stokes County Planning Board, and support the overwhelming majority of1 local residents ofc our community to deny this application for a tower on the corner ofI Keaton and  cell tower on the corner ofE Keaton and Lynchburg Roads  and Hanging Rock State Park County community together  Lynchburg Roads Itisr not wanted, it is1 not needed Thank you for your time and consideration  Joe Bullins 411 Butler Street Pilot Mountain, NC Re: Proposed Cell Tower Joe Bullins gavel his time to Frank. Ahting.  With no further speaker, Chairman Chandler closed the Public Hearing along with the Public  Comments.  Mr. Joe Duncan requested to speak at this time.  Chairman Chandler, with no opposition from the Board, allowed Mr. Duncan to speak.  Joe Duncan 1310Lynchburg Road Westfield, NC Re: Proposed Cell Tower  Joe Duncan presented the following comments:  The last time I checked the Stokes County GIS, there was only about four or five actual The attorney here took care ofal lot of what II had to say - some good stuff Iti is one thing when you got cell signals but data service is unusable in that area Iam telling you, it is unusable, Itry to use it for work, Itryt to usei it on my cellphone- - that is also ai need tol have a cell tower because data service decreases greatly with the  residents closer to the proposed tower site than my house is  Ihave lived at my residence al long time There is ai need for data service  distance from the tower Iti isi needed: for fire and EMS, Ibelieve  18  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    According to the US Chamber ofc Commerce and you can look it up, I can show you, only 34.5% of adults in North Carolina have a landline which means that 65.5% ofadults in How are these people communicating ift they got aj phone at all - we: need cell service - Icould: not find out al breakout by County, iti is only for the whole state -1 iti is on1 their  North Carolina (18 and over) do not have al landline  that is why website  Iwas there for thel balloon test and it was fine with me Icould see the tower from my house -1 no. problem  Also, would like to say and said at the last meeting, as many times that Ihave hiked up to the top of Hanging Rock and stood there at that fire tower, my house was insight With that balloon test, Ican'tfi find my own house, it takes me a while to find it andI know exactly where I am looking for and it is hard to find my own house even with a two Ifind the monopole out there, you can see it but you are going to have to really try to find You go up there on a clear day, I can see all the way to Winston Salem, but we will let Just one more thing, al lot of people holding up signs here say no cell tower, just happen Iagree that people don't want at tower but again we all want cell phone coverage and Ireally think it is also critical, Ia am an ITj professional, Ireally think that cell phone and Ilove- the beauty,lmovedupi here for the beauty, Fhave lived here al lot time for the  acre: field right behind it  it  The visual effect is kind of overblown  them stay  tol be observing back here, they have cell phones with them  again the data service is critical data service is critical tol helping us grow beauty and Ib have a good view oft the mountain Butl having services is also essential to growth Thank you for letting me speak  Attorney Tom. Johnson, who spoke at the beginning oft the meeting, requested tol be allowed to Chairman Chandler, with no opposition from the Board, allowed. Attorney Johnson to speak.  address some of what was said during the public hearing.  Attorney Johnson presented the following comments: Thank you: for allowing me to speak again tonight Iwill bel briefa and: not take up al lot oft time cause, and how it might affect folks  Mr. Chair, you had your prayer at the beginning of thei meeting and part of what you said that was concern for thel hurricane coming or itis ai tropical storm now and what it may Iwas in Greenville, NC and there was: flooding everywhere and infrastructure was all down - electricity, water, and obviously sewer would: not work properly either  Ipersonally went through Hurricane Floyd back in the! 90s  19  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Ipersonally escorted a guard unit from Hickory to go: float a generator out tot the cell The batteries that were there were running out very fast and that was the only method of That was it and ift that went out, there was no telephone communication because the  tower that was providing the regional service there  communication landlines were gone Thati is an extreme example but iti is true Thati is an important part wel have come to accept that and that is fine No one wants to not have that  Ifyou look at what] Ihave got on the screen, you see ap power pole, they are all around us,  Certainly, we don't want to go back to no power poles and no power  You havel high voltage lines, you say well this isn' 't very tall, you have high voltage lines around here, you have got a very significant power plant here with high voltage lines that go through - they are talll but we accept that because iti is ini the landscape and I guess we Thati is why your ordinance has standards that we have to meet - specific standards Ihave to apologize, Iapologize to everybody, I was contacted to try tol help with this Iwas out ofs state and that is why we continued it, Icould not appear, you can blame me That was not anyone trying toj pull the wool over anyone's eyes- -I I was just not available, vacations happen, and that was one extended vacation that Ihad: not taken in years Ijust want to say this is just a significant part and your ordinance recognizes it What wej prepared; it was accurate enough-that your consultant said everything was good, your staffhad: said everything was good - they are paid to do that They said the application met your ordinance, it met the requirements The only evidence that you havel here ofi impact on value is our evidence from a certified appraiser that says no; otherwise, iti is just lay evidence Again, I go back to the RF exposure radio: frequency exposure - state law says that just absolutely cannot be considered ini this type of decision, very specific from the state The community meeting, Ijust want toj point out, Ihave got sign in sheet that was used, When Ilook at who is for and who is against, it was about split but there were only seven Soi it was not like it was al lot of] people there and a lot of people concerned and there to ask questions which ist the whole purpose of that meeting and why you havei it in your You can'tgo without infrastructure, just like you can'tgo without power or you can'tgo  want power  We do want the ability to communicate - that is very important tower and represent the company before that. June 4th hearing  fort that  statute  there was about seven people that signed up and appeared  people there ordinance  Iti is so people can come and be heard and they weren't  without communications It is going to be somewhere  20  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Ifyou move it from this location to another location, thei folks at that location will not The good thing about cell towers is that you don't have to havet that many oft them Just like power poles, you have got tol have a whole lot more of them but cell towers you Ity was mentioned about another tower that was blank, that tower is four and al halfmiles away: from this site, outside our search ring which is what the site acquisition person was Search rings are maybe ai mile in diameter (halfmile to ai mile in diameter), soi it was well State law says all that wel have to look ati is within the search ring - state statute Well there are propagation maps that show the need for coverage and were ini the Itshow Verizon deficiencies, can you get a signal every now and then, oh sure, Imean you cani roll the dice and you: may, get a signal and it may be okay but like the last gentlemen said, it may not be okay for data because that is a very different thing Inarural county like Stokes County, iti is hard to get access to data State government and: federal government arej pushing hard to get more access to data to folks but in an area like this, iti is hard to do without doing it wireless Just ask you to consider all ofthat but more than anything, Itrust that you place faith in your staff and your consultant that you pay and hired They say we: meet the requirements and it is necessary Iam glad to answer any questions that you may have  wanti it  don'thavet to have that much That ist the beneficial part to cover large areas  given to find the tower site for Verizon, well outside oft that  outside oft that  specifically addresses that as well application packet  Chairman Chandler commented: Attorney Johnson responded: you an example why  Ifwe approve this rezoning, you are saying 100% coverage all the time  Iami not saying 100% coverage -Icannot say 100% coverage all the time -Iwill give There was an earthquake around thel Richmond area several years ago Iwas ini my office in Raleigh wheni it happened, the building started shaking, you could not get a cell call out because what did everyone do, they picked up their phone to find You could get a text message out and that is what people resorted tol because text messages don'tt takei the band width to be delivered as phone calls do soIcan'tsay that Just like you can'tsay that your power: is going to be on 100% ofthe time; storms are There are people losing power right now because oft the storm that is there Soj just like any infrastructure, Ican'tsayi it is going tol bet there 100% oft thei time Itwilll be overwhelmed at times, it may be down for some various reason at times, but it is proven, at least as it did in Floyd, that the wireless coverage stayed up much better than  out what thel heck was going on  going to come through and knock the power out  the landline coverage  21  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    That was the way we communicated at that time That is what I can say, it has been a reliable method  Chairman Chandler continued:  Ithink there is more and more technology that is coming online too that It think kind of As we go1 through time, there are other things, like I was saying-technology is getting  negates some ofwhat you are saying  ready to bei more or just as viable is what you are saying  Attorney Johnson responded:  Ia am not aware of any technology that has come about that does it; at one time, there was al big push to do satellite but it proved not tol be commercially reasonable and a way. to Itd does work: in certain circumstances, I am a camper, Igo out and camp: in campgrounds There are people that use satellite to get access to internet service when they are camping, but it is very expensive and difficult for al lot of people to use, but they do use: it when Ithink ift they had other options, they would rather use wireless system, the Verizon,  work  like Hanging Rock or wherever they don'thavei it otherwise  AT&T, T-Mobile than pay the extra for the satellite  Chairman Chandler: responded: tower and use a cell tower They are saying that they get cell coverage  The majority of people that Il have heard are not saying that they would rather have a cell We even have an advisory committee and our state ranger. who. is in attendance tonight = ofa all people, she would know if we are: missing emergency calls for emergency Iami retired from public safety, trust me, that is a big issue with public safety and they are Its seems to me that you arel honing in on: for a commercial business or honing in on someone who wants to work from home to1 take away iconic, historical views ofHanging Ihave an issue,Iusedi to do a lot of operational plans, do notl know who did the operational plan, but ifIhad turned in an operational plan like you all did and itl had a lot ofi misquoted like the acreage and everything, I would have been fired Ithink you are a good guy and Il know that you are speaking for your client andl I Idon'thave al lot off faith in what you are telling us off that original applicant  situations not seeing that  Rock State Park and Pilot Mountain State Park  understand that is what you are getting paid to do  Attorney Johnson responded:  With the propagation maps (received from ai radio frequency engineer that was in the The goal is tol have in vehicle and in building coverage such as a house not a  record) that showed thel before and after  commercial building  22  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Chairman Chandler responded:  Know that with a commercial building, you need al BDA to get 98%-99% access to get  out on a cell phone or a radio to call for help  Attorney Johnson continued:  AllIo can rely on is what the RF engineer says, this is not me  Itisai radio engineer with Verizon and he basically says iti is to serve mobility users which are people that are driving on Highway #268 and #66 and there is a major gapi in current coverage as thei inter sight distance is four miles meaning the gap between the  existing towers is too far to maintain that coverage Iti is to provide coverage to rural homes to the south oft the new site That is alll I can tell you int terms oft the coverage and how it works  While It realize that maybe there hasn' 'tl been a situation where somebody didn'tg get service and couldn't get help; for the person that one time they can't get help, iti is You build ai network and what they are saying - over time, they are building ai network to So maybe not ai moment ini time but just like they built the power plant and1 built the  important to them, obviously be able tol have reliable service  power. lines  Chairman Chandler commented:  Along those lines, you are an attorney, everything is based on reasonableness When you come up and hike in an rural area, obviously, the expectation ist that you are not going tol have video going on your camera al lot of times and you have al hard time  A lotoftimes,pcople: take it at theirown: risk.  Commissioner Morris commented:  Would like to explore a couple ofareas  First ofall, what are the two or three closest structures to this tower. how many feet are Ithink one oft the speakers quoted 500: ft. from the tower; Ithought there was another closer, is there any reason to question what the speakers stated - could the distances be  they from it off  Attorney Johnson responded:  Would like to refer tot the survey in the application  Your county ordinance requires a setback of110% oft thel height of the tower; in this case, the tower is 1951 ft. which would make the structure about 210: ft. to 220: ft.  Commissioner Morris added:  Noti interested in ift the structure falls and hits something, interested in how close these  structures are and how close their view of the tower would be  23  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Attorney Johnson responded: Commissioner Morris continued:  Don'thave the exact footage at the moment, will be glad to research it  Don't want to drag this out, have some other questions ten years sincel Ihave been involved here with the County Reiterated that we all understand the importance oft that  Thej problem here is that, we all understand the importance of connectivity, wel have gone through massive efforts to get internet and cell coverage and so forth up here over the last We: also understand meeting the technical requirements of our ordinance; we do the best we can with our ordinance and they are there as a guide to try to get these things right Technically meeting the ordinance doesn'ta automatically mean it should be approved Thei reason it comes to the Planning Board and then comes to the Board of Commissioners is to determine things like isi it a good fit for the community Doesn'tappear to me that this is a good fit for the community at this point Iwent through aj personal situation which Mr. Sudderth, who is ini the audience, is well familiar with where we. had two or three tower companies ini my neighborhood looking One of them was -I got there earlier than the other one did and kind of got ahead ofthe When they did the balloon test, it blocked the view ofMoore's Knob for about five or six The first question was why would anybody put at tower there right between these really To: you-point about the number dppdawsimahayw. advertise, you put-a a sign out for these public meetings and balloon tests, but peoplejust don'tseei it For that first balloon test, there were probably less than 10 people there but there were lots ofpeople interested once they found out what was going on  for locations for sites power curve houses  nice houses and Moore's! Knob Iwill jump around al little bit  Attorney Johnson requested to correct one thing:  It is not just signs and that, itl has to go: int the newspaper, just saying that wel have to do  more than just signs Commissioner. Morris continued:  Understard all that, Iwas a previous county manager here more: interest just like we. have with this one  People still miss it and then they finally whenever the word gets around, then you get So what we did with that tower request, obviously, that was al bad place for at tower Then) Ioffered aj piece of1 land on my property that we thought would cure all the disagreements from the 10 or 15 people that were there and others that came up Then the opposition still came back so. Iimmediately rescinded my application becausel wasi not going to put ai tower there if the neighbors didn't want it there  They then went through aj process of analyzing that site  Itt then went to ai third location  24  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    All ofthis is was within al half or three-quarters ofai mile where it should have went in The opposition to this one is ten times what it was to that one as far as the number of people that have given us signed petitions, had calls, received emails, etc. The only person that Il have heard that supports the tower location is the one gentleman Ihave ai real problem shoving a cell tower into this community where iti is, in my opinion, probably not in the best public interest when all the public is up here telling us that they Are there other cell tower companies sending out letters like they do trying to put at tower  the first place that nobody opposed it  that got up and spoke tonight Everyone is against this tower location  do not want it  int this same are, do youl know Attorney Johnson responded:  Ican'ts speak to what other companies are doing, all I can to is this one David Best is here, he did that, he sent out letters and he got gauged interest and Sometimes, it not as simple as switching to another parcel because people just may not wanti it, you have al lot oft things that you have got to work with to doit  narrowed it down  Commissioner Morris added:  Ith has to work technically - that is thel bottom line When wel have so much opposition to this 1 that is ai real concern  The reason I asked the question earlier to the other gentleman on property values -his answer was noi it never affects property values. - he had never seen one except some Idon't! have any confidence in whether it does or not whenever the expert tells me that he That to me just doesn'texactly make sense because it is certainly possible that it would affect the property value of these properties that are right close to it and looking at it He said there were some where it was just obviously kind ofs similar to what you were saying about Moore's Knob, it was one that was sO close to al house - it would and like Hel has not seen a study and Ihave not either where you actually analyze a neighborhood where some can see the tower and some can't 1 the look at the values and compare the Literally those studies have actually done that, have not found that it affects the values there are so many things that goi into the value, the appraiser could get up there and speak  unusual situation.  has never had one affected property tax  Attorney Johnson responded:  righti in front ofs somebody's window or whatever  differences int the values  to that  Commissioner Morris: responded:  You are probably not going tol know ifit affects the value until you try to sell one of  these houses - that would be my opinion  25  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Attorney Johnson added:  There are so: many factors - does the house have a master bedroom downstairs, is ita There are so: many factors that a cell tower in and ofi itself, may notl be the only factor The guy that spoke tonight and isi in IT, he may say Id don't care because Ijust want  contemporary versus ai traditional home, etc.  strong IT service Commissioner Morris responded:  To mei that is absolutely not guaranteed by putting this tower there  That is another thing that bothers me, most oft the people seem like they have an adequate  cell signal that has spoken to us  Attorney Johnson responded:  Iunderstand, there is a difference between you may be able to get some voice coverage as to whether or not you can actually have enough for broadband coverage Iwill get a signal on my phone in my neighborhood but the data service: may have a  glitch  Commissioner Morris added:  RiverStreet has a system here, I forget the name, that you can get now that you can get if you have a cell signal, it will get you a very high-speed internet and it will do it with one Ihave seen it demonstrated and It think Vice Chairman Wood has as well  bar  Attorney Johnson stated that he could not speak to that.  Commissioner Morris continued:  There is just so much opposition from so many folks that it is not a good: fit for this area Ihave a very difficult time supporting this tower location Ithink we: need to go back and look for other alternative sites, probably Ihave sat here and bit my lip until Id can'ts stand it any more Icome here tonight and the ones: fori it are getting paid to be fori it Then Il look at] Hanging Rock and Pilot Mountain no rent for putting the tower up 1 right  Vice Chairman Wood commented: Itis very simple  The last few days, Iheard nobody fori it That is ai no brainer to me - no  Replied to a speaker in the audience that says he wasn'tgetting paid with Vice Chairman Wood: replying that you are not getting any rent or are you just giving them the land and  26  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    The speaker continued that he was not getting paid to bel here.  Attorney Johnson stated that the speaker in the audience does not own the land.  Vice Chairman Wood continued: Istand corrected  The other thing that I want to say is that nobody drives from Raleigh, Charlotte, and other  states to aj park to see a cell tower Thati is where I stand, Ia am against it  Commissioner Morris requested to ask one: more question:  IfR Robin is still here or maybe someone else, someone: mentioned that you could see this Everyone that lives here knows that view on Mickey Road, that very specific point that  tower from Mickey Road  everyone is familiar with, can you see it from that point  Park Superintendent Robin Riddlebarger responded: Yes, that was one ofthe pictures In my opinion, that is a million dollar view road looking at that view Commissioner Morris added:  Ifthere is ever an astrological something going on, people will1 bej parked all along the  Thati is the specific Iam talking about  Ifiti isi in that view, I would absolutely not support it -itis a window of about a quarter of  amile  Park Superintendent Robin Riddlebarger verified that was the view Commissioner Morris was talking about that was on one oft the pictures Attorney. Johnson was showing on aj power point Commissioner Morris added the actual view is much better than what is being displayed on the power point presentation - no way I would support a cell toweri in that view. Attorney Johnson stated he was not trying to be argumentative, Ijust can'ts see it from the power Chairman Chandler stated that ift there were no further questionsy.comments, he would entertain a  presentation.  point picture and that floating al balloon is all we can do.  motion.  Commissioner Mendenhall commented:  Iwould like to make ai motion but first want to state after my motion, Iwould like to make sure that Director Nance says that the motion is legal to bringi it to a vote - asked  Director Nance to please listen carefully to what he read out  27  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Commissioner Mendenhall made the motion to deny the Rezoning Request #24-371 toi rezone tax parcel 6907-87- 6834 at US NC5225 Highway #268 Keaton Road from RA to RACZ which isi residential agricultural conditional zoning for the construction of a wireless communications tower: for cellular service. Once again, Director Nance, the motion is to deny thei request. Commissioner Mendenhall questioned Director Nance: ift that was proper terminology for his Director Nance questioned Commissioner Mendenhall what the reasoning was for denying the Commissioner Mendenhall stated his motion was to deny the request but confirmed with Chairman Chandler that he would, as chairman, be stating thei rational for the denial.  motion.  rezoning request.  Chairman Chandler responded: the application for rezoning  Wes are denying the request initially because the applicant provided the wrong acreage on While it may be consistent with the Stokes County 2035 Comprehensive Plan, itis also The impact study that is required per the Stokes County Zoning Ordinance requires a visual impact assessment to portray the visual impact on surrounding The study submitted by the applicant does not include visual impact which is Wel have two treasured local landmarks Hanging Rock and Pilot Mountain are Thej proposed cell tower would impact the viewshed of citizens in the surrounding area and diminish thel beautiful scenery that our residents value and that tourists Thel Hanging Rock State Park Advisory Committee and the Planning Board have AndifIcan: say this, increase cellulars services is ai need that some residents desire but the vast majority of residents surrounding and nearby to thej proposed tower adamantly against a metal tower being built and puti into the line ofs sight Thei residents ini the area live there because ofthe beautiful scenery and close Building something that almost every individual that it will effect is opposed to is  not in the public interest for the following reasons:  properties required by ordinance  natural amenities in our area in North Carolina  travel miles for  both reviewed the facts and voted against thet tower  proximity to our natural landmark of Hanging Rock certainly not int the public interest  Vice Chairman Wood seconded the motion.  Chairman Chandler opened the: floor for any further discussion/questions/comments.  Commissioner Mendenhall added:  28  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting    Just want to make sure Director Nance, after my motion to deny and our Chairman's rationale that he just read, we are good to make the motion to deny, is that correct  Director Nance  Director Nance responded tot the best ofmyl knowledge that should suffice. Commissioner Mendenhall added that he maintained his motion to deny. With no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously.  NEW BUSINESS ADJOURNMENT adjourn thel Planning Meeting.  Chairman Chandler noted that there was no further business for tonight's meeting.  With no further business to come before the Board, Chairman Chandler entertained ai motion to Commissioner. Mendenhall moved to adjourn the Planning Meeting. Vice Chairman Wood  seconded and the motion passed unanimously. GasBuo  Pagckag  Amber Brown Clerk to thel Board  Brad Chandler Chairman  29  August 6, 2024  Planning Meeting