Developer David Jaindl has told Verizon Wireless and South Whitehall commissioners he objects to the company’s proposal to remove an existing 100-foot tower at Brickyard Road and replace it with a new structure that will be wider, stronger and 15 feet higher.

“We own the 100 acres that sit on the front of the property,” Jaindl said. “I don’t like the tower site at this location.”

“Toll Brothers told us to push against this.”

At the April 5 South Whitehall commissioners’ meeting, Verizon representatives reported the new tower would be set up 25 feet from the present one, 60 feet away from the water tank.

The tower would be at least 100 feet from property lines, situated on township land, surrounded by an 8-foot high chain link fence.

South Whitehall receives revenue from tower users.

For safety purposes, the tower would have structural guidelines for antennas, site specific geo-technical analysis for its foundation, and the capacity to withstand 90 mph wind gusts.

There would be 12 Verizon antennas, emergency management communications equipment, and possibly additional users in the future.

Verizon anticipates one trip every four to six weeks to the site for maintenance or repairs.

Radio Frequency Engineer Joe Ruiz told commissioners subscriber use has increased, creating a need for greater capacity and a tower’s location has to fit the need and must be in a zoning district that allows it.

“This site does an excellent job of meeting the need,” Ruiz said. “Sites are exhausted at busy times, shedding calls.

“There’s been an uptick in users since 2000.

“We’ve been adding capacity to existing sites but we’re maxed out and can’t add any more.”

Kate Durso, attorney for Verizon, responded to Jaindl.

“Most municipalities provide for towers on municipal land,” Durso said.

“That doesn’t make it right,” Jaindl responded. “This will affect our marketing. My client is not happy with this.”

“I notified him and invited him to come and express any concerns,” Durso replied.

Jaindl’s Hills at Winchester with 206 over age 55 units and 43 single-family dwellings will be situated on the former Rutz property below the tower and above Walbert Avenue.

The board agreed to take the matter under advisement and bring it forward at a future public meeting.