Flagler County approves 190-foot cell tower despite Planning Board recommendation for denial

Flagler County commissioners have approved a 190-foot cell tower near the Hunter's Ridge community, overriding both their own planning board's recommendation for denial and concerns raised by nearby residents about proximity to homes and neighborhood compatibility.

The commission voted 3-2 on August 17 to greenlight the monopole tower at 2730 Airport Road, despite opposition from homeowners who questioned whether the tower was necessary at that location. The tower will be built on property currently developed as a storage facility, about 450 feet from the nearest residence—150 feet beyond the minimum required setback.

Why Planning Board Recommended Denial

The Planning and Development Board had recommended against the tower based on criteria that considers whether existing telecommunications infrastructure could serve the area instead. Nearby residents echoed this concern during the public hearing, pointing to carrier coverage maps and arguing that alternative locations should be explored first.

Residents also raised concerns about the tower's visibility and its compatibility with Hunter's Ridge's residential character. The applicant's representatives countered that existing towers were too far away, with the closest site approximately 1.4 miles from the area Verizon seeks to serve.

What This Means for Health-Conscious Families

For parents concerned about EMF exposure, this decision underscores the importance of understanding what's happening in your community before you buy. While the tower meets county setback requirements, proximity to cell towers remains a consideration for families trying to minimize radiofrequency exposure in their daily environments.

The good news is that radiofrequency exposure decreases significantly with distance. If you're already living near existing or planned telecommunications infrastructure, there are steps you can take to reduce overall EMF exposure in your home—from choosing low-EMF air purifiers and low-EMF hair dryers to exploring options like EMF shielding paint for rooms where your family spends the most time.

For prospective homebuyers, this case is a reminder to research planned development and telecommunications infrastructure in neighborhoods you're considering—not just what exists today, but what might be approved tomorrow.

Originally reported by Observer Local News