AT&T officials told the Jasper County Commissioners in Monticello, Georgia, that they were no longer compliant with the county’s zoning board and have thus put their project on hold. The carrier began building towers in the county about 15 months ago; they proposed 9 new sites: one was to co-locate on an existing site, one has been held up by the state historic preservation group, and the other seven have expired. The Monticello News reported, “David Walker with AT&T Wireless told the board about AT&T’s overall plan and its plan for Jasper County. He said between the time that AT&T met with the county in November, 2013, and the present the company’s plans have changed. He assured the commissioners that there is a capital plan, but gave no indication of when, or if, the towers would be used by AT&T.” Since American Tower constructed the towers, they can try to get other carriers to locate on them. District 5 Commissioner Doug Luke gave a frustrated speech about the lack of cell service in the area, but the county ordinance gave AT&T six months from the time the building permits were issued to get the towers up and running. The permit obtained by American Tower is only for AT&T to use the towers, so the company would likely request a variance and sell space on the tower. David Mercier with American Towers said they would pay the $7,000 fine for being out of compliance, and said they want to move forward. Zoning director Sherry Braley said the company could be fined daily, but the commissioner’s aren’t concerned with the fines but rather the lack of cellular service.
Menu
Menu
