Cell tower extension approved
Staff writer
A formal agreement is being ironed out between the city and Verizon Wireless after the cell phone company asked to delay a hearing on a new cell phone tower planned for Commercial and Forest Sts.
City attorney Susan Robson brought a draft of the agreement for commissioners to review during their July 1 meeting.
Without an agreement extending the approval date, Verizon’s application would have been deemed approved on July 2. Council members approved extending the deadline until Nov. 2.
Verizon has not withdrawn its request for a conditional use permit for the Commercial and Forest Sts. location because if the request is withdrawn while the company seeks a new location, the company must wait two years to submit a new request.
Neighbors of the original proposed location filed a protest petition.
Neighbors cited potential health effects from exposure to cell phone signals, loss of property values, and loss of wildlife habitat.
They are also unhappy over notice given to surrounding property owners.