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requirements for different users. He referred to the application for the Special Use Permit for the Lloyd <br />Town Road proposal. He reviewed this proposal, a copy of which is in the permanent agenda file in the <br />Clerk's office. <br />Joseph Smathers, Jr., with J.F. Smathers & Company - Real Estate Appraisers, spoke in support of <br />this proposal. They have conducted studies which indicated that this type of structure does not have a <br />negative impact on the property values of surrounding property. He reviewed the Impact Investigation <br />report in detail which is incorporated in these minutes by reference. <br />Ken Carter, with Gearon Communication, indicated that this structure is needed by BellSouth <br />Mobility for in-house and in-car services for their customers. He also mentioned that they do not presently <br />have other towers in Orange County but they are expanding and expect to have other towers in the future. <br />They are also aggressively marketing each of the towers that they install so that they will be used by <br />multiple users. Cellular carriers and EMS would both be good candidates for locating on the lower portions <br />of their tower. He mentioned that they cannot locate on existing transmission lines because their signals <br />must be transmitted from higher locations that the transmission lines. <br />tower <br />County Manager Link indicated that EMS has not made comments to staff regarding this proposed <br />Planning Board member Brooks asked if the County was assisting Gearon's marketing plan by <br />insisting on multiple users? There was also a concern voiced that a monopoly could be created by <br />approving one company's request and denying others. <br />QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS: <br />Alex McIver speaking on behalf of his Aunt and Grandmother asked that this request be <br />tabled. They have hired an independent Real Estate Appraiser to review this proposal and need <br />additional time. <br />Ann Pearson also spoke as a representative of the McIver property and stated that she <br />opposes this proposal. She requested that they consider locating on an adjoining tract of land. <br />Edward Mann, Jr., a local resident and cellular phone user, spoke in opposition to this site <br />being used. His objection was that the proposed site is in an unprotected area which would make <br />the base quite visible. These towers need to be tucked away so that they are shielded from view. <br />He mentioned that he and the builders did look at another site nearby and he hoped that they <br />would consider that site. <br />Francois Deprez, owner of the Bingham School which he has renovated as a bed and <br />breakfast, spoke in opposition to this proposal. He mentioned that the Bingham School has <br />received a designation as a historic site. His guests come to rest and relax and enjoy the rural <br />setting. He stated that he could see the test balloon through 4 of the five room of the Inn. He read <br />from a Flexible Development plan of his property prepared by UNC planning school students <br />which discusses maintaining the beauty of the community. He felt that the balloon test was <br />flawed because although he could see the balloon from the Inn, the color of the balloon faded into <br />the trees. That is not a fair representation of the impact the tower will have. He asked that the <br />visual impact be considered and that this request be denied. He also mentioned that his entire <br />community opposes this proposal. <br />Commissioner Brown asked that the Flexible Development material be considered by the <br />Planning staff and Planning Board when they review this request. She also requested that Mr. <br />Deprez ask the members of his community to communicate their concerns to the Commissioners <br />in writing. <br />6