As a side benefit to Farrell Zoning Hearing Board’s approval of a telecommunications tower, many Shenango Valley fire departments and Southwest Mercer County Regional police will be able to put their radio transmission equipment on the tower for free.

The equipment will be placed higher than it is, which should enhance the reach of radio transmissions, reduce "dead spots," such as low areas, that cannot be reached and eliminate interference, said Joseph Giordano, owner of JMG Management Inc., which asked for the approval, and Giordano Construction Co., which will build it.

Both companies are in New Castle.

The 270-foot tower will be built on property at 10 Rhoda St., owned by Philip L. Uretta of Farrell.

The company needed board approval anyway but also had asked for a variance from setback requirements of 54 feet on each side.

Giordano argued that should the tower fall in the case of tornado or hurricane-force winds, it will fall within a fenced off area.

"They’re to crumble on top of themselves, kind of like a puzzle, inside the fence area," he said.

The only buildings nearby are Uretta’s Performance Roofing and a water tower.

But the board questioned Friday whether the tower site could be moved within other property owned by Uretta. JMG and Uretta agreed to move the tower 24 feet east and 6 feet south, negating the need for the variance.

The tower will hold microwave-transmission equipment for cellular telephone, paging and wireless Internet companies.

The tower will be made of steel and will not have guide wires. It will be fastened to the ground with six feet of steel-enforced concrete.

White strobe lights will blink during the day and red ones at night, according to Federal Aviation Association guidelines. Giordano said he already has an FAA permit.

Cellular companies want about 10 miles between towers and building a 270-foot one will reduce the possibility that another one will need to be built in the area.

The cellular companies will need Federal Communications Commission approval before they can use the tower.

Giordano said he needs to have soil tested before he can build.

City zoning and code enforcement officer Mark Yerskey said because he has no experience with towers, he will submit blueprints to the Building and Code Administration plan review board for approval.

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