HALLOWELL — The Hallowell Appeals Board will allow the state to construct a public safety communication tower atop Granite Hill.

The state wants to replace an old civil defense tower on Beacon Road, but the project didn’t meet the city’s minimum setback requirements for a drop-zone if the tower were to fall over. However, the appeals board Wednesday granted a hardship variance.

Richard Thompson, in charge of the state's information technology, said the variance is unique to this site because it is being used for a public safety purpose.

“I believe the next step now is to go back to the Planning Board with that variance and address any other issues that may come up,” Thompson said today.

“We still need the permit, but if we’re successful, work could begin in August."