Zoning Board of Adjustment — June 8, 2026
ZBA discusses off-agenda case details and pushes back on misleading cell tower data
The meeting featured strong public interest and critical feedback from residents regarding the transparency and necessity of a major infrastructure proposal.
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Two significant issues emerged during the June 8 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting that residents should have on their radar.
First, the Board held a discussion regarding the Matthew Koff setback variance case that was not included on the public agenda. While the discussion focused on requesting specific documentation—such as building condition reports and compliance cost estimates—the lack of prior notice meant residents could not prepare for or observe the specifics of this pending case being finalized.
Second, the Atlantic Tower cell tower application (Case 26-01) at 22 Old Stage Coach Road remains highly controversial. During the meeting, community members and Board members expressed serious concerns that the 130-foot structure is being proposed in Plainfield primarily to solve a coverage gap in Lebanon. There were also pointed criticisms regarding the applicant's visual impact study, with claims that the consultant chose photo locations specifically to minimize the tower's perceived height and impact.
The Board has responded to these concerns by reopening the public hearing and requiring the applicant to provide much more rigorous data, including a study on alternative sites and a formal tree canopy assessment. The case is continued to Monday, July 13, at 7:00 p.m. We encourage all residents to attend and demand evidence-based decisions.
Public impact
Installation of a 130-foot telecommunications structure
The Board continued the case and ordered the applicant to provide additional data on site feasibility, environmental impact, and a tree canopy assessment.
The case is continued to Monday, July 13, at 7:00 p.m.
Topics discussed
The Board reviewed and approved the minutes from the May 11th meeting with amendments.
The minutes were approved as amended.
A continuation of the hearing regarding a proposed cell tower at 22 Old Stage Coach Road, focusing on visual impact and site feasibility.
The Board reopened the public hearing to hear from abutters and concluded that the applicant must provide more data regarding site feasibility and environmental impact.
The case is continued to Monday, July 13, at 7:00 p.m. The applicant must report back on alternative sites and provide a tree canopy assessment per Section 3.16(F)(6).
The Board discussed required documentation for a pending setback variance case involving Matthew Koff.
The Board finalized a list of requested items to be communicated to the applicant.
Zoning Administrator Halleran will convey the information request to Mr. Koff.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Atlantic Tower Cell Tower Application (Case 26-01)
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Member positions
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”
Accountability flags
Topics discussed — not on agenda
Transcript vs. official minutes
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xai.grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, grok-4.20-0309-non-reasoning · analyzed 2026-07-25.
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