MODESTO — A controversial proposal to build a 130‑foot wireless communications tower just outside Newman appears to have quietly died after the applicant failed to show up for its own appeal hearing — a meeting scheduled just days before the project’s federal review deadline.

The Towers, LLC/Verizon had appealed Stanislaus County’s Feb. 4 denial of the project, which was rejected after the City of Newman formally opposed the tower’s location at 642 W. Mariposa Street. Residents had also mounted strong objections, citing concerns about visibility, property values, health questions and the tower’s proximity to schools and neighborhoods.

The appeal was initially set for March 5 but was postponed at the applicant’s request, pushing the hearing to May 7 — only three days before the 150‑day federal “shot clock” would have expired on May 10. Under federal telecommunications rules, projects can be automatically approved if no decision is issued before that deadline.

But when the Planning Commission convened on May 7, the item had already been removed from the agenda. No representatives from The Towers, LLC or Verizon attended the meeting, and commissioners took no action. County officials did not return calls seeking clarification, but the absence of the applicant and the removal of the item effectively end the project as proposed.

The collapse marks a win for Newman officials and residents, who had urged the county to reject the tower. City Manager Michael Holland said the city opposed the project because the site sits within Newman’s adopted Sphere of Influence, where long‑term development plans call for future residential growth. County policy requires discretionary projects in those areas to be consistent with the city’s vision.

The proposal had drawn widespread attention on social media in late January, prompting residents to contact the county with concerns about the tower’s height, visibility and proximity to schools and parks. Three residents also spoke at the April 28 Newman City Council meeting to thank the city for taking a stand, while encouraging officials to revisit the city’s own ordinance governing wireless facilities.

Holland told the council that while most rules surrounding cell towers are dictated by state and federal law, he would direct staff to review the city’s ordinance and determine whether updates should be brought forward.