Council approves conditional use for 140-foot telecom tower at Northgate after Air Force review

Bossier City Council approved a conditional use Nov. 4 to allow a 140-foot telecommunications tower at 1315 Northgate.

Council members asked whether Barksdale Air Force Base had reviewed the proposal. Planning staff said the tower developer vetted the site with the base, which raised concerns and led to a reduced overall height; staff approved the project with that recommendation. "Everyone within 300 feet of the cell tower was notified," staff said when asked about community notification.

John Throckmorton of Municipal Communications — the neutral-host contractor that will build and operate the tower — told the council the facility will serve multiple carriers and emergency services. "Our company ... will build and operate the tower. We're what's called a neutral host... It'll incorporate the latest technology, which is 5 g. It will also have FirstNet... that integrates all first response capabilities," he said. Throckmorton added the tower will improve local coverage and reduce demand on nearby towers, benefiting residents and emergency responders.

Council members asked about safety and the placement relative to the VFW Hall and homes. Staff said towers typically collapse upon themselves if structural failure occurs and that the developer will allow colocation to reduce proliferation of towers. The conditional-use motion carried on a voice vote.

What’s next: Planning staff will proceed with permitting and ensure required notifications to property owners within 300 feet are completed prior to construction.