Rio Rico’s (AZ) Planning and Zoning Board approved a controversial cell tower permit after it was rejected in fall 2017, reported Nogales International. Commissioner Sheila Dagucon noted that cell service is poor in the area, which the 104-foot monopole planned by SBA, with two Verizon and T-Mobile antennas, is poised to improve.
There was opposition to the project both in November 2017 and during the recent hearing. Residents spoke against the tower, citing issues with “value of…properties, increased traffic, noise and diminished views,” in addition to health and safety risks.
One proponent of the project, Ray Sayre, the county’s director of emergency management, commented on the benefits of the tower. “An addition of another cell tower is going to improve signal propagation and that’s going to improve my ability to reach the community (via emergency alerts) or have the community call in to report an emergency,” said Sayre.
Jesse Drake, the county’s community development director, said the tower will be located more than 500 feet away from the nearest home. In addition, a 10-foot tall wall will surround the tower – which has room for more antennas – and its associated equipment.
Lawyer and SBA consultant Liz Walker, presented maps predicting how Rio Rico’s cell phone coverage will improve if the tower project is constructed, reported Nogales International.
“People sometimes don’t like (cell tower) sites, but they like their cell phone,” Walker noted.
March 5, 2018
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