Development News for Mashpee, Massachusetts

Mashby Planning Board Continues Review of 130-Foot Verizon Cell Tower Application

The Mashby Planning Board reviewed a special permit application for a proposed 130-foot monopole cell tower at 524 Great Neck Road North. The application, submitted by Celco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless, aims to address a coverage gap in the Verizon network. The board discussed the tower's height, visibility, potential for co-location, and various waiver requests related to bylaw requirements. Concerns were raised about the fall zone, battery cabinets, and the visual impact of the tower. The public hearing was reopened after a mandatory Development of Regional Impact (DRI) review by the Cape Cod Commission, which confirmed the coverage gap and the necessity of the proposed height. The board also discussed the applicant's arguments for meeting special permit criteria, including the lack of adverse impacts on public health, safety, traffic, and the environment. Several waivers were requested, including for height, fall zone, plan scales, and landscaping. The board ultimately voted to continue the public hearing to July 1st, 2026, to allow for further review of engineering reports and to address outstanding issues, including potential co-location policies and the federal law regarding tower height increases.