COURTLAND—After favorable comment in a public hearing, the Southampton County Board of Supervisors on Monday unanimously approved the conditional use permit by Verizon Wireless to build a wireless telecommunication tower.

Beth Lewis of the Southampton Planning Commission said the 199-foot structure – including lightning rod – and related equipment would be located behind the home of Paige Pulley at 32168 Millfield Road.

The proposed site is about 2,000 feet east of the intersection of Ivor Road (Rt. 616) and Millfield Road (Rt. 605), and is designated A-1, Agricultural. Also, there will be approximately 10,000 square feet plus an access easement from 60.4-acre parent parcel.

In a Nov. 4 letter to County Administrator Mike Johnson, Lewis stated that the commission had unanimously OK’d the permit during its October meeting.

Further, they “felt the new tower would be a positive contribution to the telecommunications services available in the county.”

That sentiment was shared during the supervisors’ regular meeting. Ronnie West called the tower “a wonderful thing.”

Robin Felts, a county resident who lives three miles from the proposed site, also voiced support for the structure, saying it would be “a big plus.”

Ash Cutchin called cell phone towers “one of the greatest things,” but asked about the longevity of the tower, more specifically, how long would it be before the technology would have to be replaced.

About 30 years, said Steve Romines, the attorney for Verizon in this matter.