Officials in New Castle County have given their blessing to 140-foot tall cellphone tower in a Delaware cemetery that will be made to look like a bell tower.
The New Castle County Board of Adjustment voted 3 to 2 in favor of the AT&T tower at All Saints Cemetery near Newark. In its decision, the board said the tower met all of the town's requirements and as long as it does not emit noise, will be allowed to be built.
More than 50 opponents of the tower were present for a hearing Thursday on the tower. They presented a petition with more than 500 signatures -- all opposing the plan.
"I think our biggest concern is the proximity of this tower. It's going to be 14-stories tall," said David Resende. His father is buried feet from where the tower will stand and has organized the opposition to the construction.
NBC10 was allowed into a waiting room to speak with residents, but was not allowed to record the meeting. Despite protests, board officials shut our camera out.
The Diocese of Wilmington oversees Catholic Cemeteries Inc., which operates three cemeteries including All Saints Cemetery. An official with the Diocese of Wilmington has said that the tower will be located in a remote area of the cemetery.
The tower will fix a gap in service, according to AT&T. The company says it's necessary to handle growing demand.
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A formal, written decision is expected from the board in about a month.
