Brandon council denies rezoning that would have allowed cell tower near elementary school

The Brandon City Council on a 3–2 vote with one abstention denied an ordinance to rezone a 0.14‑acre parcel at 108 West Park Street from NRC (natural/river corridor) to General Business, a change that would have cleared the way for a wireless telecommunications tower proposed by Elevated Towers.

Supporters of the denial framed the decision as a land‑use and spot‑zoning concern; opponents of the rezoning, including parents and local residents, urged the council to reject the proposal because of health and safety worries about placing a tower near two schools.

Parents and neighbors filled the council chamber during the public‑comment portion, telling the council they feared long‑term health and developmental harms for children. “Are you willing to vote yes to rezone this land knowing that even one child might suffer long term effects because of that decision?” asked Erin Taggart, who identified herself as a parent and Brandon resident and said about 900 children attend the schools nearby. Taggart cited studies and urged application of the precautionary principle when a sensitive use — a school — is adjacent to a tower site.

Other residents raised related concerns: traffic and pedestrian…