Hearing before Zoning Board of Appeals likely

delayed until 10 December. 

I stopped at the Planning Office on Wednesday, 10/28 to review the contents of the MetroPCS application for variance file. 

I was informed that MetroPCS has (temporarily) withdrawn their application. Good news, right?  The answer is "yes" and "no." 

They withdrew this application, but they intend to reapply in time for the December 10, 2009 meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).  If I had to guess, I would say that they recognized that their application was poorly written, and that it lacked much of the needed supporting documentation.

As an aside, I have to admit that I am pretty surprised that a large company, involved in the business of acquiring tower-sites, could have been so poorly prepared in this instance.  They had no problem obtaining a Temporary use permit in the City of Portage for their temporary wireless tower in August of 2009.  That application, and the materials which supported it(all available on the City of Portage municipal web site)  was well written, clear and complete.  The same is true of the materials related to their May 2009 variance request with the Kalamazoo ZBA.   

Did they think that the ZBA would ignore the ordinance, or the stringent requirments to obtain a use variance? 

If they are able to produce the needed documentation before November 12, then they will likely reapply for a hearing at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals on 10 December.  

We are dismayed by the fact that MetroPCS has twice delayed the public hearing of this issue.  At the same time, we're committed to making the most of the additional time available.

The planning office will maintain an active file relative to the proposed tower.  They will continue to receive and catalog letters and petition signatures.  If you haven't written to the ZBA to express your opposition, the time has never been better.

In writing to the ZBA member, remember that these are good folks, (civic-minded volunteers in fact) who are knowledgeable of the zoning ordinance, and committing to upholding it.   Their role is to interpret the law as it relates to this application.  Your interest and feedback helps them to guage the potential impact to our neighborhood.

Even though MetroPCS has withdrawn their application, their intent has not changed.  They will submit a new application, most likely on or before 12 November.  If and when they resubmit, we must be prepared to voice our opposition.

In the meantime, please continue to share your feedback.   In the last week, I have heard from several people who state that they have been spreading the word to friends and neighbors who were unaware of this important issue.

Please continue to get the word out.
Please write or email the member of the ZBA. 
Please remain vigilant. 
Please plan to attend the ZBA meeting on 10 December.

We will do our best to keep you posted!