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Residents divided at ZAPCO hearing over proposed tower outside Serene Hills Elementary
Summary
Twelve speakers and dozens of written comments split over a proposed 220-foot cell tower; supporters cited emergency-call failures and service gaps, opponents—especially Serene Hills parents—cited RF-safety, aesthetics and property-value concerns.
At a packed Zoning and Planning Commission meeting, twelve members of the public delivered testimony both supporting and opposing a KGI Wireless proposal for a 220-foot cellular tower at 3303 Serene Hills Drive. Supporters described repeated dropped calls and difficulties reaching 911; opponents, who included parents of Serene Hills Elementary students, argued that placing a tower adjacent to the school is unacceptable and urged the commission to seek alternative locations.
Erin Smith, identifying herself as a Serene Hills elementary parent, said the proposal placed the school community at risk and asked commissioners to deny the request: “The proposed KCG cell tower right outside the school property is unacceptable,” she said, noting the school serves more than 800 students. Rough Hollow resident Rand Jones argued more broadly about RF exposure and future liability, saying, “I'd rather have dead spots than, you know, dead children,” a remark that underscored the strength of emotion in the room. Supporters such as Kevin McDonald recounted an incident in which a nearby house struck by lightning left callers unable to reach 911, saying, “I'm punching 911 on my cell phone. I can't get anything.”
Several speakers also flagged potential economic benefits and broadband competition if the tower is built, asking the city to capture ground-rent revenue. The commission listened to each speaker and acknowledged that questions about RF safety would be addressed in federal reviews (FAA/FCC) and via the testing KGI offered to provide; ZAPCO framed its role as applying narrow ordinance criteria in making a recommendation to City Council.
