Residents of the upscale Las Campanas neighborhood near Santa Fe, NM, are slated to receive upgraded cell service via a 70-foot-tall Verizon Tower. The structure will be camouflaged with a bell tower design and will allow for co-location.
The Albuquerque Journal reported that the Santa Fe County Commission voted 4-1 to approve Verizon’s application for a height variance. The proposed service area has poor to nonexistent cell service, creating a public safety concern. The sole dissenter, Commissioner Rudy Garcia, voted against the project due to the height.
Conversely, about 15 residents spoke in favor of the tower during the public comment period. Many commented on the need for better service during emergencies.
In addition, Stan Weiner, a resident and a retired attorney, said if the commission didn’t approve the variance, it could be opening itself up to potential litigation over safety issues. “If God forbid, something happened, and they couldn’t get medical service on a timely basis, I am concerned that this county could be the subject of litigation,” he said.
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