Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

“No one wants a cell tower in their backyard,” said Cameron Clark, representing Verizon Wireless at the April meeting of the Ripley County Board of Zoning Appeals. His words turned prophetic as several Osgood neighbors came to the meeting concerned about the cell tower “in their backyard.”

Paul Courter, who lives at 1103 Tanglewood Road, said he was worried about the safety of his five grandchildren. He brought in information about cell towers causing cancer that he found on the Internet.

Don Stork said when he was shown a picture of where the cell tower was going to be located, he had no objection. Then when he actually went to the site and measured, it was practically in his own backyard. He suggested the tower be placed on the other side of the town’s water plant, where it would be further away.

Verizon had several representatives who spoke to the neighbors' concerns. Clark further explained the tower would be of the lattice type and would have a radius of two and one half miles. The proposed property is located at 1930 W. County Road owned by Thayer Farms.

The board also had concerns and tabled the request for a variance and special exception until the next meeting. They asked the Verizon representative to come back with answers to the neighbors' concerns.

The other two agenda items were both presented by Jeff French of French and Associates. Glenn Miller asked for a variance from the width to depth ratio at property he owns on South Benham Road in Versailles in order to survey a buildable tract.

Deborah Schaefer requested a variance from the width to depth ratio for two surveys on West Versailles Street in Holton. Both variances were approved unanimously.

It was the first meeting for Carol Evans, the newest member of the board appointed by the Town of Versailles. Also in attendance were board members Maureen Sheets, Roger Lang, Mike Baker, Wayne Peace, Planning Director Tad Brinson and Attorney John Ertel.

The next regular meeting of the Ripley County Board of Zoning Appeals is May 20 at the commissioners’ room at the Ripley County Courthouse Annex in Versailles.