Athens council approves 150-foot AT&T monopole at wastewater plant

The Athens City Council on Jan. 12 approved a special-use permit allowing AT&T to build a 150-foot monopole tower and install communications equipment at 1250 East Sanderford Road.

David Andrews, the city’s telecommunications consultant with CMS, told the council that the city ordinance sets a presumptive maximum of 100 feet for new towers but that propagation studies show AT&T needs 150 feet to provide continuous service across neighborhoods east and south of Athens. Andrews said the taller monopole on city-owned property would replace the need to build multiple shorter towers and better serve customers toward Cambrai, Lindsay Lane and Tanner.

Patton Hahn, attorney for the applicant, said he had no additional material beyond Andrews’ presentation and offered to answer questions. Resident Scott Marshall asked whether the 150-foot structure would create light pollution. Andrews responded that city rules prohibit lighting on towers under 200 feet and that Federal Aviation Administration lighting requirements apply for towers 200 feet and taller, so the proposed 150-foot monopole would have no tower lighting.

Councilwoman Henry moved the resolution granting the special-use permit; a second was recorded and the council adopted the measure by roll call vote, 5-0. The permit was approved subject to compliance with the conditions recommended by CMS and any conditions required before issuance of the certificate of completion.

The council record and staff presentation note alternatives, including co-location on a nearby Verizon tower at lower height, but Andrews said co-location would not meet AT&T’s propagation needs and likely would require two or more additional towers to achieve the same coverage. Next steps are completion of any final conditions and issuance of the permit by staff.