HomeMy Public PortalAboutStatement VICTOR V.MANOUCIAN
1VI C LANE Direct Dial 603-628-1310
Email:victocmanougianQmclane.com
Admitted in NH,MA and ME
MIDDLETON 900 ch Street,P.O.05- 326
Manchester,NH 03I05-0326
T 603.625.6464
F 603.625.5650
March 9, 2016
Via Hand Delivery
City of Watertown
Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals
149 Main Street
Watertown, MA 03472
Re: Installation of Small Cell Canister Antennas on Existing Utility Poles by Cellco
Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless ("Verizon") Pleasant Street
Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals:
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this letter is to provide explanatory background information on behalf of our
client, Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless ("Verizon"). Verizon proposes to install and
operate"Small Cell"wireless communication units on existing utility poles in the City of
Watertown.
Small Cell and Cloud Radio Access Network("CRAN") systems are new, cutting-edge
technologies that allow wireless providers and municipalities to deploy non-intrusive wireless
technology in high demand areas. This proposal is part of Verizon's larger regional initiative to
improve voice and data coverage by deploying CRAN and Small Cell antennas in municipalities
throughout New England.
In accordance with Article V of the Watertown Zoning Ordinance—Wireless
Telecommunications Facilities, specifically Section 5.13(a)Verizon is seeking issuance of a
special permit and a variance from Section 5.13(a)(1) and Section 5.13(a)(2) from the Zoning
Board of Appeals to install and operate "Small Cell"wireless communication antennas atop a
utility Hole that is to be installed that will replace two existin;utility.poles. The variance from
Section 5.13(a)(1) and Section 5.13(a)(2) asthe site is not located within the CB, LB, I-1, 1-2, 1-3
and CR zones and is within a fifty(50) feet of a residential zone.
-
As required by the Watertown Zoning Ordinance—Submittal Requirements, the following
materials and documents are enclosed for your review and consideration.
1. Special Permit/Variance Application
2. Site Plans (20 copies at I I" x 17" and 1 copy at 2' x 3');
3. Letter of Authorization/License(to be submitted under separate cover);
4. RF Report and Coverage Maps (to be submitted under separate cover);
McLane Middleton,Professional Association
Manchester,Concord,Portsmouth,NH I Woburn,NIA
- — --- - - McLane. —
Town of Watertown
March 9,2016
Page 2 of 8
5. Photosimulations (to be submitted under separate cover); V
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6. Release, Indemnification, and Waiver Form(N/A Pole in Public Right of Way);
7. Verizon's FCC Licensure
8. Billing Authorization Form;
9. Certified abutters list (to be provided by municipality); and
10. Application Fee of$2,500 and$15 abutters list fee.
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Verizon Wireless is one of the nation's leading FCC-licensed providers of wireless
communications services, extending coverage to almost all of the top 100 markets in the United
States. Verizon has developed one of the largest and most reliable national wireless networks to
provide wireless voice and data services to an ever-growing customer base, last counted at over
135 million.
Currently, wireless communications infrastructure is rapidly expanding in response to increasing
consumer use of wireless data services. With 2/3rds of Americans using smartphones, Verizon's
response to this exponential increase is to construct and maintain state-of-the-art
communications infrastructure to fill coverage gaps and increase network capacity. Here,
Verizon seeks to invest in wireless infrastructure to improve Watertown's wireless network by
deploying voice, data, Long Term Evolution("LTE" or"4G"), and Advanced Wireless Service
("AWS") communication services throughout the township.
"CRAN"AND"SMALL CELL"TECHNOLOGY EXPLAINED
The strategic integration of CRAN and Small Cell antennas is a surgical approach to the
continued deployment of Verizon's LTE and AWS networks in Watertown,particularly in areas
of high voice and data traffic. When a number of CRAN and Small Cell antenna installations are
strategically placed throughout a targeted geographic coverage area, the end result of is an
overall increase in performance and efficiency, both within the target area and the network as a
whole.
In contrast to conventional single-location, multi-function, Wireless Communication Facilities
(i.e. large telecommunication towers), CRAN and Small Cell technology provide site-specific,
multi-location network solutions in small, visually unobtrusive units. Although these units differ
in backend processing and fiberoptic requirements, they remain visually indistinguishable from
pole-mounted electric transformers and each other.
1) CRAN technology combines fiberoptic infrastructure, centralized processing, and
separate componentfunctionality.
CRAN technology accesses fiberoptic infrastructure by dispersing CRAN base stations or
"CRAN Nodes" in a wide geographic area. This unique design provides backhaul data
Town of Watertown
March 9, 2016
Page 3 of 8
processing,radio signal transmission, and radio signal reception in multiple locations while
communicating with a centralized baseband unit that handles core processing.
antenna
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uxkhaul Optical fiber cable_
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Wireless Base Station
Frank Rayal, Cloud RAN vs. Small Cell: Trading Processing for Transport Cost(2012), available at
htto://frankraval.com/2012/03/17/cloud-ran-vs-small-cells-tradine-t)rocessine-for-transport-cost/.
2) Small Cell technology combines transmission and processing without the need for
fiberoptic infrastructure.
Small Cell technology is deployed in regions lacking fiberoptic infrastructure. Verizon uses
Small Cell technology to combine transmission and processing in a single canister style unit.
This combination unit allows wireless providers to locate antennas and create signal without the
need for fiberoptic cable or a centralized processing station.
Antenna
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Compact Base Station
Frank Rayal, Cloud RAN vs. Small Cell: Trading Processingfor Transport Cost(2012), available at
httD:Hfrankraval.com/2012/03/17/cloud-ran-vs-small-cells-tradins-t)rocessiniz-for-transport-cost/.
PROJECT NARRATIVE
The addition of CRAN and Small Cell network architectures is highly advantageous to
municipalities and wireless carriers alike. They eliminate the perceived adverse visual impacts
commonly associated with new telecommunications towers, while maximizing network coverage
by using small discreet antennae to target small areas of greater demand and usage. By their
nature, CRAN and Small Cell antenna networks are only feasible in densely populated and/or
heavily travelled areas with some degree of existing fiber optic infrastructure, or the ability to
readily deploy the same. Cities similar to Watertown that fit within this dynamic are, therefore,
able to realize the tremendous benefits of a CRAN and Small Cell network.
Town of Watertown
March 9, 2016
Page 4 of 8
In light of the above-described benefits, Verizon seeks to deploy approximately two (2) Small
Cell installations in Watertown in coming months. Small Cell facilities principally consist of a
single 24.2" tall cylindrical omnidirectional antenna weighing approximately 22 pounds that will
be mounted to existing Verizon Wireless utility poles.
The omnidirectional canister antenna itself is designed to look like a traditional transformer and
is virtually indistinguishable from those located on utility poles across the nation. Additional
supporting equipment, consisting of a remote radio head, electrical junction box and meter, and
fiber optic and power connections, will be mounted to the exterior of the utility pole, resulting in
a self-contained antenna facility without the need for building out further infrastructure. With
respect to visual impacts, this equipment is no different than the equipment of electric, telephone
and cable utility providers.
CRAN and Small Cell equipment meets an ever increasing demand for wireless service from the
residents and businesses of Watertown, and indeed from all Americans nationwide, Verizon is,
of course, sensitive and responsive to the demands of its customers, and has thus begun
deployment of network components such as those described in the attached plans in order to
meet that demand.
Following installation, Verizon technicians will monitor and occasionally visit the installation for
maintenance purposes. All Small Cell antenna sites will comply with applicable FCC
regulations with respect to radio frequency emission standards. Except for standard electrical
service, the Facility will not impact utilities, schools,traffic or other municipal resources.
Due to rapidly increasing wireless demands and the availability of this technology, Verizon aims
to rapidly deploy CRAN and Small Cell units throughout Massachusetts in 2016. To this end,
Verizon secured an agreement with both National Grid and Eversource expediting the licensing
and approval of these installations on existing utility poles in the state.
PROJECT SATISFACTION OF SPECIAL PERMIT REVIEW STANDARDS
The Site is located in the Pleasant Street Corridor zoning district. The use is permissible in the
Pleasant Street Corridor zoning district with the grant of a special permit issued by the Board. As
noted on the Plans, the existing pole height is 47 feet above ground level ("AGL") and the top
height of the highest antenna will be 53 feet AGL, within the fifteen foot limit contained in
Article V, Section 5.13(a)(3) of the Ordinance.
Verizon submits and will demonstrate through the Application materials and the written and oral
evidence at the public hearing(s) in connection with the Application that the proposed Facility
meets with all applicable requirements of the Ordinance. The Facility will not adversely impact
adjacent properties and neighborhoods as Verizon's Facility will not significantly change the
appearance of the Building. The Facility will not be a threat to public health, safety and welfare.
In fact,Applicant submits that the proposed Facility will aid in public safety by providing and
improving wireless communications services to the residents, businesses, commuters, and
emergency personnel utilizing wireless communications in the immediate vicinity.
Town of Watertown
March 9, 2016
Page 5 of 8
Consistent with the Ordinance, the Facility will function as a wireless communications services
facility within a local, regional, and national communications system. This system operates
under license from the FCC and Verizon is mandated and authorized to provide adequate service
to the public. This Site was selected after a careful screening process and was found useful to
Verizon. The Facility will not generate any objectionable noise, odor,fumes, glare, smoke, or
dust or require additional lighting or signage. The Facility will have no negative impact on
property values in the area. No significant increase in traffic or hindrance to pedestrian
movements will result from the Facility. On average, only one or two round trip visits per month
are required to service and maintain the Facility. This is an unmanned Facility and will have
minimal negative effect on the adjoining lots. The Facility does not require police or fire
protection because the installation has its own monitoring equipment that can detect malfunction
and/or tampering.
RELIEF REOUESTED
Verizon respectfully requests that the Zoning Board of Appeals grant a special permit pursuant to
Article V, Section 5.13(a) for a Wireless Telecommunications Facility and such other relief as
deemed necessary. Pursuant to Article V, Section 5.13(a)(1) and Article V, Section 5.13(a)(2) of
the Ordinance, the Board is vested with the authority to grant the special permit herein requested.
The Facility complies with the terms of above sections of the Ordinance. The Application
follows the applicable sections of the Ordinance and sets forth Applicant's response to each of
the relevant provisions.
ARTICLE V,SECTION 5.13—WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES
(a) No person shall construct a wireless communications facility without a
specialpermit issued by the Board of Appeals under section 9.05. In addition,
any facility must:
(1) Be located within these zones (CB,LB, I-1, 1-2, I-3, and CR). Wireless
telecommunications facilities shall not be located within the NB
(Neighborhood Business) zone.
(2) Not be located on a structure containing any residences, not within fifty (50) feet of a
residential zone or any structure containing a residential use.
The equipment will be located on a utility pole on Pleasant Street within the PSC(Pleasant Street
Corridor) zoning district and thus Verizon seeks a use variance for the installation of wireless
facilities in this zoning district.
(3) In the case of an antenna mounted on a building or structure,not extend
more than fifteen (15) feet above the height of such structure or building.
Town of Watertown
March 9, 2016
Page 6 of 8
The Facility will comply with the terms of this provision of the Ordinance. The
proposed antennas will be not extend more than fifteen(15) feet above the height of the
pole.
(4) In the case of a tower, not exceed the height allowed in the zoning district.
The Facility does not entail the construction of a tower. Therefore, this provision
of the Ordinance does not apply to this Application.
(5) Be fully concealed or camouflaged, i.e. disguised, shielded, hidden, or made
to appear as an architectural component of an existing or proposed
structure.
The proposed antennas will be attached to the top of the pole and will blend in with the
existing transformers and other equipment on the pole.
(b) Removal of Abandoned Facilities: Any wireless telecommunications facility
that is not operated or that is not in compliance with this Ordinance for a
continuous period of ninety days shall be considered to be abandoned, and
the Building Inspector may, by written notice order that such facility be
removed within thirty (30) days. At the time of removal, the facility and all
associated debris shall be removed from the premises.
This is a forward-looking requirement; Verizon acknowledges the terms of this provision of the
Ordinance.
ARTICLE IX, SECTION 9.05 SPECIAL PERMITS: CONDITIONS FOR APPROVAL
(a) A special permit shall be required for all uses and for all exceptions to
dimensional regulations which are designated in this Zoning Ordinance as
requiring a special permit before the Inspector of Buildings may issue a
building permit or occupancy permit.
This Application is submitted in compliance with the terms of this provision of
the Ordinance.
(b) The Board of Appeals shall not approve any such application unless it finds
that in its judgment all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The specific site is an appropriate location for such a use, structure or
condition;
The existing poles are being utilized for the proposed installation. Even though we are located in
this zoning district, the poles are in the public right of ways. The location of the Site relative to
Town of Watertown
March 9, 2016
Page 7of8
Verizon's gap in network coverage renders the proposed location uniquely suited for the Facility
to fill its existing significant gap in coverage thereby permitting Verizon the ability to provide
adequate coverage in this area of Watertown as part of its network pursuant to its FCC license.
(2) The use as developed will not adversely affect the neighborhood;
The Facility will consist of antennas located at the top of the pole, as well as equipment on the
pole. Potential visual impacts are minimized and the aesthetic qualities of the Town of
Watertown are preserved to the maximum extent possible. The Facility will not adversely affect
the neighborhood. The Facility will comply with all applicable FCC requirements and building
codes. The Facility will benefit those living and working in, and traveling through the area by
providing enhanced wireless telecommunication services. The Facility will not adversely impact
adjacent properties and neighborhoods as the Facility will be located on the pole. The installation
of the Facility will not be a threat to public health, safety and welfare. In fact, Verizon submits
that the proposed Facility will aid in public safety by providing and improving wireless
communications services to the residents, businesses, commuters, and emergency personnel
utilizing wireless communications in the immediate vicinity and along the nearby roads. The
Facility will not generate any objectionable noise, odor, fumes, glare, smoke, or dust or require
additional lighting or signage. The Facility will have no negative impact on property values in
the area. No significant increase in traffic or hindrance to pedestrian movements will result from
the Facility. The Facility is unmanned and will have no negative effect on the adjoining lots and
the antennas will be located at the top of the pole. This Facility does not require police or fire
protection because the installation has its own monitoring equipment that can detect malfunction
and/or tampering.
(3) There will be no nuisance or serious hazard to vehicles or pedestrians;
No significant increase in traffic or hindrance to pedestrian movements will result from the
Facility. Because the Facility will be located on the top of the poles, there will be no adverse
impacts upon pedestrian walkways.
(4) Adequate and appropriate facilities will be provided for the proper operation
of the proposed use.
Adequate electrical and telephone services are already available at the Site.
CONCLUSION
In summary, while CRAN and Small Cell antenna installations do not alone obviate the need for
traditional wireless communication facilities, they are overwhelmingly the least intrusive means
available to address gaps in coverage in areas of dense demand for Verizon's LTE voice and data
services. The equipment proposed herein provides enhanced service to areas of concentrated
demand in Watertown while avoiding the possible aesthetic impact of larger wireless service
facilities.
Town of Watertown
March 9, 2016
Page 8 of 8
For the foregoing reasons, Verizon respectfully requests that Watertown expedite the issuance of
an applicable building permit to install this network.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions about the enclosed materials.
Very truly yours,
VictorMagian C/
VVM:jal
Enclosures
CC: C. Webberly
A. Whelan
103252\10370511