Council approves zoning amendment for 149-foot wireless monopole in Hunters Ridge

The Bonita Springs City Council on May 6 unanimously approved a zoning amendment to allow a 149-foot monopole wireless facility and related infrastructure at 12760 Foxridge Drive in the Hunters Ridge neighborhood.

Mike Fegan, a Community Development staff member, told the council this was the second reading and public hearing; he said the Planning and Zoning Board voted unanimously on March 17 to recommend approval and that staff and the applicant remain in agreement on the conditions. "This case was heard by your planning and zoning board on March 17. They voted unanimously to approve the amendment request," Fegan said.

Don Huppreich, one of the Hunters Ridge managers, told the council the homeowners association held a properly noticed special meeting on April 29 and that 313 of 562 properties were represented by attendance or proxy. "Out of the 313, 273 voted in favor of approving the cell tower through the amendment process," Huppreich said, describing that as about 87 percent support and arguing the site is needed for emergency communications during hurricane season.

A Hunters Ridge resident who spoke in opposition urged more transparency for nearby communities. "What I'm really trying to accomplish here today is to absolutely make sure that our not only our own residents in Hunters Ridge, but also our neighbors right across the road ... have full disclosure of what it really will look like, a 150 foot tower," Kevin Keane said, asking for a longer balloon test so neighbors could see the visual impact.

Applicant representative Matt Chania John showed a measured signal map and said coverage data demonstrated local service gaps. He said two carriers indicated need for the site and that compliance with the city's noticing and procedural requirements had been met. He also described practical limits on prolonged balloon tests in local weather. "A two week balloon test would be neither feasible nor safe," Matt Chania John said, adding that the site helps surrounding towers function better.

After council questions about coverage and proximity to residences, the applicant reported nearest-residence distances of about 233 feet to the east and 442 and 572 feet to the west and said the site provides clearance in excess of 100 percent of tower height in all directions.

A motion to approve the zoning amendment was made, seconded and carried on a roll-call vote. The clerk recorded affirmative votes from Council member Fullick, Mayor Gibson, Council member Fitzpatrick, Council member Corey, Deputy Mayor Purdon, Council member Bogaz and Council member Carr. The clerk announced, "Motion carries."