Verizon Proposes Multiple Seasons for Temporary 70-Foot Cell Tower on Route 35

3131 Route 35 North, the location of a proposed temporary wireless tower, April 2023. (Photo: Daniel Nee/Shorebeat)

Verizon is seeking approval from Toms River to place a 70-foot tall cellular data tower along Route 35 on a temporary basis for the 2025 summer season.

The tower first appeared in 2021 at 3131 Route 35 North, a marine services business located just north of Ocean Bay Boulevard in the Ocean Beach section. The tower has been located in the business’s yard on a seasonal basis every year since. Verizon officials have previously testified before the planning board that they were seeking a permanent location for a tower to accommodate the annual uptick in data and call traffic, however the company will seek an additional year in the temporary space. At this hearing, the Verizon will seek permission to leave the tower in place for a longer period of time, running from May 1, 2025 through Nov. 30, 2026, according to a filing with the board.

3131 Route 35 North, the location of a proposed temporary wireless tower, April 2023. (Photo: Daniel Nee/Shorebeat)

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The tower, despite being temporary in nature, requires approval of several variances from the board, including front and side yard setbacks. The tower would be placed in the same position where it has stood for the last five seasons, near the southern portion of the property.

The hearing will be held Jan. 15, 2025 at the township municipal complex on Washington Street.