11-25-13 Common Council Agenda & Packet

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have an effect on the property values within the vicinity, but rather, its presence will provide enhanced wireless communications to the residents, businesses and visitors of the City of South Bend and Saint Joseph County. Enhanced wireless communications will have a positive influence on this area. In association with the Special Use application, Verizon Wireless respectfully requests the consideration and approval of a Variance application for the use of an aggregate access drive in lieu of a hard surface access drive required by code. Therefore, please accept the following justification statement petition listed below addressing the items listed in the Variance application: 1. WHY the approval will not be injurious to the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the community. The proposed facility will be designed and constructed to meet applicable governmental and industry standards. Specifically, Verizon Wireless will comply with FCC and FAA rules governing construction requirements, technical standards, interference protection, power and height limitations and radio frequency. Wireless technology does not have an adverse effect on matters affecting the public health, safety & general welfare. To the contrary, wireless technology affords vital communications in emergency situations and will commonly be used by local residents and emergency personnel to protect the general public's health, safety and welfare. These emergency services include 911 services, the ability to transmit vital data and a backup system to landline phone communication. 2. WHY the use and value of the area adjacent to the property included in the variance will not be affected in a substantially adverse manner. The proposed facility will be unstaffed and, upon completion, will require only infrequent maintenance visits (approximately one or two times a month) by a service technician. Access to the proposed facility will be via the existing entryways to the property. The facility is entirely self- monitored by sophisticated computers which connect directly to a central office to alert personnel to equipment malfunction or breach of security. Hence, the facility will not have any material impact on traffic, parking or storm water control nor will the proposed facility create any substantial adverse effect on public safety. Moreover, no material noise, glare, smoke, debris traffic flow or any other nuisance will be generated by the proposed facility. The facility will not diminish and impair the value of other property in the neighborhood, but rather, its presence will enhance and provide wireless communications to the residents of the City of South Bend and St. Joseph County. Enhanced wireless communication will have a positive influence on the economic development of this area. Businesses, employees and customers will benefit from improved Verizon Wireless service which will increase productivity, convenience and access to information. The availability of current and future cutting edge wireless technology will continue to make the City of South Bend and St. Joseph County a pleasant place to live and desirable place to invest and conduct business. 3. WHY the strict application of the terms of the zoning ordinance will result in practical difficulties in the use of the property. Verizon Wireless feels that because the proposed facility will be unstaffed and, upon completion, will require only infrequent maintenance visits (approximately one or two times a month) by a service technician, a paved hard surface access road will not be necessary since the access to Page 5 of 6