Ocean City, NJ — Ocean City is set to see the construction of a new 120-foot cellphone tower at the southern tip of the island, following a city council resolution passed earlier this week. This move comes as a result of a settlement agreement with Verizon, which had previously sued the city for breaching federal telecommunication regulations.
The decision was finalized Thursday when the City Council approved the settlement and introduced an ordinance to permit the construction on municipally-owned land on Bay Avenue. The community will have the opportunity to voice their opinions before the ordinance is adopted, with a public comment session scheduled for April 10.
The dispute began when Verizon’s request to place communication equipment on a privately-owned building was denied. The company had filed for permission in September 2020, aiming to install rooftop equipment on Haven Avenue. Despite revising the plan to comply with local height restrictions by proposing smaller antennas, initial approvals were still refused.
In response, Verizon argued that the lack of adequate facilities in the area resulted in a significant coverage gap on the island, prompting the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court.
Furthermore, in 2023, Ocean City officials took measures to limit future construction of such towers, reflecting the growing concerns among residents and policymakers regarding the proliferation of large telecommunications infrastructure within city limits.
Interestingly, this case is part of a larger pattern of legal challenges by Verizon. In 2024, the telecommunications giant also took legal action against Monmouth County. The dispute there centered around the county’s rejection of permits for most of the 20 cellphone towers Verizon planned to erect along Belmar’s boardwalk.
These legal entanglements highlight the ongoing conflicts between telecommunications companies, which seek to expand infrastructure to meet increasing service demands, and municipalities who wrestle with balancing these needs against local aesthetics and regulations.
Residents and observers alike will keenly watch the next steps, as the outcomes of these developments will likely influence future telecommunications projects and city planning in Ocean City and beyond.
Thank you for relying on our reports for trustworthy local news. We appreciate your support and subscription. If you need to reach out to us with feedback or questions, please consider contacting us at your convenience.
Disclaimer: This article was automatically generated by Open AI. Facts, figures, individuals, and events have been used for illustrative purposes and may not align with actual circumstances. For concerns regarding inaccuracies or content removal, please contact [email protected].