Georgia Town Denies Tower Despite Possible Lawsuit

Even though the state government in Georgia made huge strides for the wireless community a few months ago making it easier for cell tower companies to construct towers, some towns are still doing what they can to keep towers out. In Convington, Georgia, Mayor Ronnie Johnston cast the final vote on Monday to deny a proposal from TowerCom to construct a 199-foot cell tower. AT&T and T-Mobile are looking to fill in coverage gaps for their customers; however, more than 50 people signed a petition against the tower and presented it to council members. The concerns of the residents were aesthics and possible devaluation of property values. Prior to Monday’s regular meeting, council members held a closed meeting to get clarity from the city attorneys about TowerCom’s intentions to sue the city if the permit were denied. The Newton Citizen reported, “Ellen Smith, an attorney representing TowerCom, told the council that since the hearing in May, the company enlisted the opinion of an electrical engineer specializing in telecommunications who recommended the special-use permit be granted to improve signal coverage for AT&T and T-Mobile. TowerCom also received the opinion of a valuation service company and a local appraiser, who both stated that the construction of a cell tower would not negatively impact the market value of surrounding properties.” TowerCom offered to compromise and build a tower at the height of 169-feet, but residents were still unsure. After a bit more discussion about the possibility of another site, Councilwoman Janet Goodman reluctantly approved the special-use permit for a 169-foot tower. “I reluctantly move to go with the recommendation of our attorney … knowing that if we don’t do it, it’s going to be done anyway,” she said. Council members Goodman, Hawnethia Williams and Ocie Franklin voted in favor of the motion, while members Mike Whatley, Chris Smith and Keith Dalton voted against. The mayor broke the tie, also voting against the motion.