Arlington council approves 125-foot cell tower at Rush Creek Baptist Church

The Arlington City Council approved a specific-use permit for a 125-foot telecommunications tower at Rush Creek Baptist Church on the evening of April 8, 2025.

The tower, proposed for a 0.05-acre site at 2300 South Southwest Green Oaks Boulevard adjacent to the church’s south parking lot, will be located in a heavily treed auxiliary parking area, the applicant said. The council voted to approve the permit after a staff presentation and one applicant presentation.

City staff described the proposal as a 125-foot telecommunications tower sited in the central portion of the church property. Alan Skivelli, representing Bridal Services LLC and the applicant team, told the council the location was the product of years-long negotiations among carriers and the property owner. "We finally were able to work with the church and come up with a somewhat creative solution that piqued their interest," Skivelli said, adding that the site was moved into an auxiliary parking area and “is mostly surrounded by trees to have the least impact on the surrounding community and neighborhood.”

No members of the public spoke in opposition; staff reported one non-speaker in support. Following the presentation, Council Member Pham moved to approve the specific-use permit; Council Member Hunter seconded the motion, and the motion passed.

The permit authorizes a telecommunications facility taller than 75 feet on church property; details about carrier identities, lease terms, and construction timing were not specified during the hearing. The council closed the public hearing on the item and voted the same evening.

The approval permits the applicant to pursue required building permits and any carrier-specific reviews; any subsequent site-specific conditions will be subject to administrative and permitting review.