Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Telecom Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Whitfield County approves 200-foot Towersource telecommunications tower despite public opposition
Summary
The Board approved a special-use permit for a 200-foot Towersource telecommunications tower at 846 Fennel Drive for first-responder communications after the planning commission recommendation and public comments both for and against the proposal; the vote was 3-0.
The Whitfield County Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 on Oct. 11 to grant Towersource a special-use permit to construct a 200-foot telecommunications tower with a 5-foot lightning rod on a 19.42-acre tract at 846 Fennel Drive, citing the tower’s role in first-responder communications.
Matthew Totten, representing SBA Communications Corporation, told the board he opposed the Towersource application. "We oppose the application from Towersource for a cell tower special use permit," Totten said during public comment. Andy Rotenstreich, representing Towersource/Tillman Infrastructure, said the planning commission had previously voted in favor of the request.
Commissioners moved and approved the permit after the public hearing was opened and closed by Chairman Jevin Jensen; the planning commission’s recommendation and the stated public-safety usage were central to the Board’s action. The permit authorizes equipment supporting 5G technology.
The board’s approval follows the planning commission’s recommendation and does not itself resolve remaining procedural or permit conditions that may be required by county staff or state authorities. No amendment or alternative location was adopted during the meeting. The decision was recorded as unanimous with Commissioners Greg Jones, John Thomas and Barry W. Robbins voting in favor.
