Despite heavy neighborhood opposition, the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission unanimously approved a request Wednesday to allow construction of a 150-foot-tall private communications tower at the city's Clinton Water Plant.
The request from Voicestream Wireless now goes to the Lawrence City Commission. The city would act as the landlord for the tower if commissioners agree the site is suitable for tower use.
Eight neighbors attended Wednesday's meeting to oppose the tower, backed by letters bearing the signatures of dozens more area residents. They said the sight of a new tower would "dominate the skyline" and drive down property values.
O.P. Peterson Jr. told planning commissioners he built his nearby home just a year ago.
"We didn't anticipate a 150-foot phallic symbol out our front yard," he said.
Patty McGrew, who also lives nearby, said her experience as a Realtor led her to argue against placing the tower nearby.
"During that time I've seen property values go down as a result of proximity to such a tower," she said.
Scott Beeler, an Overland Park attorney representing Voicestream, said there's no evidence towers have a negative effect on property values.
"The fact of the matter is the market doesn't mind," he said. "We will be a good neighbor."
Planning commissioners said Voicestream presented a better application than most communications companies. The company has already signed two competitors to share the tower, avoiding proliferation. And it will allow city and county emergency agencies to place their radio antennae on the tower.
Still, planning commissioners said every decision to allow a communications tower is difficult.
"Nobody wants it in their back yard," said Jane Bateman, commission chairwoman. "Nobody wants it in their front yard."
No comments
Commenting is turned off for this story.