Commission backs AT&T proposal for 50-foot monopole near West Pointe despite setback objections from manufactured-home park

The Palestine Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend a specific-use permit for a 50-foot monopole wireless communications tower at 2233 West Pointe Road, forwarding the item to City Council for final action on March 24.

The applicant’s representative, Brent Dozier (contractor working for AT&T), said the project is a capacity “fill” site to improve coverage for AT&T customers, highway traffic and emergency responders, including FirstNet users. “This project comes from primarily AT&T customers ... complaining about low or no coverage,” Dozier said, adding the site would also serve businesses and highway users.

Staff told commissioners the applicant initially proposed a 230-foot lattice tower that exceeded the city’s maximum height and that lattice towers are not allowed. The applicant redesigned to a 50-foot monopole to meet the city height limit; the applicant also submitted a separate variance application for proximity to residentially zoned property that will be heard by the zoning board later this month.

Opposition testimony came from the manager of Cedarville Manufactured Home Community, who said the park contains about 86 families and that recent owner investment has increased occupancy. The manager told the commission she measured roughly 253 feet from the proposed tower base to the nearest home and emphasized the park’s concern about a required city setback equal to three times tower height (450 feet for a 150-foot structure) and possible property-value and safety impacts. She asked whether AT&T would remove equipment and restore the site if it were abandoned.

The applicant responded that the proposed monopole would be 50 feet tall, that earlier designs had been reduced from 230 feet to 150 feet and then to 50 feet, and that the probability of tower collapse is very low; the applicant provided manufacturer statements and coverage maps showing improved service with the proposed tower.

Commissioners discussed canopy height and topography; a contractor on Zoom noted the site’s elevation (50–60 feet above the highway) is beneficial for coverage. After discussion, commissioners voted to recommend approval; the matter will be considered by City Council on March 24, 2025.

Votes at a glance: Planning & Zoning recommendation — specific-use permit for wireless communication facility at 2233 West Pointe Road: Planning & Zoning vote — approved (recommendation to City Council).