Planning commissioners recommend approval for 125-foot wireless tower at 1093 West Main Street

The Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 1 recommended approval of a special use permit for a telecommunications tower at 1093 West Main Street, saying the tower would improve local wireless coverage and public-safety communications.

The recommendation — made by Commissioner Grama, seconded by Commissioner Ainsley — passed 6-0 with Commissioner Franchesca recusing herself. The item will go to the City Council, which is scheduled to hold a final public hearing on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at 7 p.m.

Richard (planning staff) introduced the public hearing for Case No. 25-06-10SUP, describing the request as a telecommunications antenna over 25 feet and associated support structure on a 0.0826-acre portion of the parcel at the northeast corner of 1171 and Valley Parkway Addition (Lot 3 R2-B, Lot B Phase 1). The applicant proposes a 125-foot monopole to be topped by a 10-foot lightning rod, for a total structure height of 135 feet.

Ralph Weingarten, representing the applicant and speaking on behalf of Hemphill LLC, said the proposed tower would improve coverage for Verizon Wireless while accommodating up to three future providers. “Verizon Wireless’s engineering necessity case was included in your packet, basically ensuring that wireless service in this area keeps up with advances in technology and growing demands,” Weingarten said. He added the project would support residents, businesses and public-safety communications, noting that “most 911 calls come from wireless devices nowadays.”

Weingarten told commissioners the proposed compound could shift up to 35 feet to the west if needed to avoid communication lines recently found on the parcel. He said the landowners prefer the current location and will work to identify and remove or relocate the lines; if that is not possible, the applicant would move the compound 35 feet west on the same lot and submit a finalized plan before the City Council hearing. “The dimensions of the compound wouldn't change. Everything would stay the same. It would just be 35 feet further west on the same parcel, no change in impact,” he said.

Weingarten also noted that, because of the structure height, “the pole does not require lighting, so there's not gonna be any flashing light or anything at night either.” Commissioners asked whether the tower would create conflicts with nearby municipal facilities; staff said there was no conflict with the Safety Services Building. The record shows no public opposition comments were received prior to the hearing.

The commission’s recommendation is advisory; the City Council will hold the second public hearing and make the final decision on Oct. 20, 2025, at 7 p.m.