Verizon Wireless representatives last week spoke at The Kirk of Bonnie Brae Church’s meeting about a proposed 50-foot tower at the site and they failed to impress residents in the Denver suburb.
Verizon’s proposal calls for an eight-foot by eight-foot slab for a tower with a 30-inch diameter, 50-foot tall cylinder with antenna groups inside. Additionally there would be a seven-foot tall electrical box by the alley at 1201 South Steele St. with instruments, lights, caution signage and a back-up diesel generator. Denver’s zoning code “encourages that these towers be installed outside of residential neighborhoods,” as long as they “blend in and adhere to certain safety standards,” according to Westword.com.
Some residents first heard of the tower last fall, and they are petitioning against tower plans. More than 100 people have signed a protest petition on Change.org, and many signs have been put up in front lawns around the church. Residents cite possible property value declines; noise; maintenance vehicles parked in a nearby alley; health and safety issues; possible fire; and a tower falling into a nearby preschool as reasons for the opposition.
Paul Kashmann, the area’s city council rep., told Westword.com that a 50-foot tower in a residential district is not “appropriate,” according to the town’s ordinances.
“As far as the investigation I’ve been able to do so far, the science is not at a point where it puts me 100 percent comfortable by any means with having a cell tower in a residential neighborhood,” Kashmann told Westword.com. “I think I’m tempted to err on the side of caution and ask them to look for a more appropriate location.”
The church is also looking at how to be good neighbors while also serving “the marginalized among us in keeping with our faith commitments.”
The plan is still being reviewed by the city.
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