5. Cellular Communications Tower (Monopole) at Signal Hill Park (Signal [Wilcoxen] Hill)
Background. Milestone Communications (representing Verizon) is in discussions and planning with the municipality of Manassas Park for the installation of a cellular communication tower (monopole) by Trileaf Communications in Signal Hill Park located on Signal View Drive in Manassas Park.
Of primary concern is the proposed monopole location’s impact on the historical view shed from the 1861 signal station located on what is now known as Signal Hill (in 1861 known as Wilcoxen Hill) toward the 1861 signal station sites located at Yorkshire, the Van Pelt House on Matthews Hill and Centreville.
Current Status.
On 3 August, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) concluded its assessment of the proposed communications tower and issued its findings, “We believe that the undertaking will have No Adverse Effect on historic properties listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, specifically the First Battle of Bull Run, First Battle of Manassas (076-0271), Signal Hill (076-0016), and the Bristoe Station Battlefield (076-5036).”
Parties Involved.
Manassas Park
Milestone Communications
Trileaf Communications
Prince William County Planning Office
Prince William County Historical Commission
BRCWRT
Planned Actions/Activities
BRCWRT, in a Consulting Party Status, continues to work with the other interested parties, led by Prince William County’s Historical Commission, and the City of Manassas Park in working to mitigate any adverse impact of the cell tower / monopole.
Continue to work with the PWC Historical Commission, the PWC Board of Supervisors and the City of Manassas Park to preserve and interpret Signal (Wilcoxen) Hill:
Manassas Park is receiving funds from Verizon as part of the use agreement for Signal Hill Park property
Special Use Permit – Verizon at Signal Hill Park:
Development Proffer (Cayden Ridge)
Once 56 of the 147 lots in Cayden Ridge have been developed, the developer must construct a walkway from the Cayden Ridge development to Blooms Road (?)
Intent is to 1) use Manassas Park funds received to conduct a preservation study of the Signal (Wilcoxen) Hill site, 2) link the Cayden Ridge walkway into the Signal Hill parking lot/memorial site, 3) preserve and interpret Signal (Wilcoxen) Hill
Both the City of Manassas Park and the Prince William County Planning Office have included the preservation and interpretation of Signal (Wilcoxen) Hill in their long range planning document