Leesburg Council approves 155-foot Skyway Towers communications tower despite community opposition

Concerns over a proposed 155-foot cell tower in Leesburg took center stage at the Planning and Zoning Meeting on April 24, 2025. Residents from the Woodland Park community expressed their worries about the tower's proximity to their homes, fearing it would be built just 200 feet away. However, city officials clarified that this distance pertains only to notification requirements and not the actual location of the tower.

The proposed tower, to be situated at 2009 Talley Road, is part of a conditional use permit application by Skyway Towers. The Planning and Zoning Department recommended approval, stating that the tower meets all city regulations and would not negatively impact surrounding properties. The tower aims to enhance both coverage and capacity for T-Mobile, addressing existing gaps in service.

Joyce Carter, a resident of Woodland Park, voiced her community's opposition, highlighting that the tower would be highly visible from several homes. She emphasized the community's long-standing history and the collective petition against the tower, which garnered over 100 signatures. Carter's passionate plea underscored the emotional stakes for residents who fear the tower could disrupt their quality of life.

In response to concerns about radiation, representatives from Skyway Towers noted that federal law prohibits local governments from considering health impacts in zoning decisions. They assured that the tower would comply with FCC safety standards, a point that did little to quell local apprehensions.

As the meeting concluded, the city council faced the challenge of balancing technological advancement with community sentiment. The decision on the conditional use permit is expected to have lasting implications for both the residents of Woodland Park and the broader Leesburg area.