Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council postpones vote on 85‑foot cell tower after residents object
Summary
After lengthy public comment both for and against, the council accepted the applicant’s withdrawal/postponement request and sent the conditional use permit for an 85‑foot telecom monopole back to July 7, giving staff and the applicant more time to address neighborhood concerns about need and design.
A conditional use permit for an 85‑foot monopole to be sited at 7432 E. Trimmier Road drew a divided public reaction on June 16. Planning staff said the site would improve coverage and support multiple carriers; the applicant and the church that owns the property (First Assembly of God) said the tower responds to Verizon’s network needs. Planning & Zoning recommended approval with conditions including maximized landscape screening and a camouflage/tree option.
Opposition included nearby residents who said local service already meets needs and warned of visual impacts. Commissioners and staff noted 12 formal opposition responses from nearby property owners. Under city ordinance a CUP for a wireless tower requires a supermajority of the council (six votes) for approval; council members expressed differing views on whether the application should proceed in B3 zoning or be sited in agricultural/industrial districts where towers are allowed by right.
After discussion the applicant withdrew or agreed to postpone the request and council voted to postpone consideration to July 7 so staff and the applicant can return with additional information and possible design alternatives, including camouflage options. Mayor Pro Tem Tim Gonzalez and several council members emphasized the need to balance coverage needs with neighborhood compatibility.
