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Bonita Springs council approves 149‑foot cell monopole after public comment
Summary
After a second reading and public comment, the council unanimously approved a zoning amendment allowing a 149‑foot monopole wireless facility at 12760 Foxridge Drive. Supporters cited emergency communications needs; opponents sought greater neighborhood notice and a longer balloon test.
Bonita Springs City Council unanimously approved a zoning amendment on May 6 to permit a 149‑foot monopole wireless facility at 12760 Foxridge Drive after the item’s second reading and a public hearing.
City staff briefed the council that the case had already cleared the planning and zoning board with a unanimous recommendation and that staff and the applicant remained in agreement on recommended conditions. Mike Fegan, with Community Development, told the council the continuance from the first reading was ministerial and did not change staff’s recommendation.
Don Huppreich, who identified himself as a Hunters Ridge manager, said the homeowners association held a special meeting and a membership vote supporting the tower. “We have 562 properties…we needed 169 to have a quorum. With the vote, we ended up with 313,” Huppreich said, adding that 273 members voted in favor — “87% of the membership.” He said the tower was needed for emergency communications during hurricanes and tropical storms.
Kevin Keane, a Hunters Ridge resident, urged more transparency for adjacent neighborhoods and urged a longer, multi‑week balloon test so neighbors could see the tower’s scale. “I suggest that we put it up for a couple of weeks. Let our neighbors know that we care about their observation. Let them see it,” Keane said.
The applicant’s consultant presented measured signal maps showing coverage gaps in Hunters Ridge and nearby neighborhoods, and said two carriers had signaled a need for the facility. The consultant reported that the nearest residence was about 233 feet to the east and listed other distances to nearby properties.
Councilmember Corey moved to approve the zoning amendment; Councilmember Carr seconded. The clerk called the roll and recorded unanimous votes in favor. The motion carried.
The ordinance amendment will be codified with the conditions discussed during the public hearings; staff said it will be effective as provided in the ordinance text and conditions attached at adoption.
