Cell tower on hold for now

A proposed cell tower in Irmo has been placed on hold for at least sixty days while more information is gathered and resubmitted to the Town of Irmo Zoning Board of Appeals.

At a public hearing on November 15, an audience of nearly 40 citizens were on hand to hear proposals for a Special Exception to construct a cell tower and co-location of antennas at 7777 St. Andrews Road.

According to the town, the application for the cell tower “checks all the boxes of the standards outlined in Section 2-3.18 Special Exception for Wireless Communication (Cell) Towers and Permit Requirement for Co-Location of Antenna of Existing Towers.”

The board questioned whether certain standards had been met for safety due to the proximity of the train tracks, homes and businesses in the area. They requested a detailed engineers report and more information. The tower would sit on property that borders Grantham Rd. in New Friarsgate and Shoppers Walk. Concerns were brought up by citizens worrying about audio interference and its proximity to a church.

Johnathan Yates with Hellman Yates, representing Jaks Suites, LLC & Kal Short Sale, LLC presented the proposal for the 195 foot T-Mobile cell tower. The next public hearing will be in January 2022 when the ZBA will reconvene on this issue.