Verizon Wireless is proposing a 110-foot monopole for Walden Heights Park in Eagan to provide a boost in service due to data overloads, but residents and the Advisory Planning Commission are opposing the project, reported Sun This Week.
Since the project puts the tower only 165 feet from residential property – 135 feet closer than city code requires – Verizon must seek approval for a variance.
Residents voiced their concerns about the project during a public hearing, citing potentially decreased property values and the proximity of the proposed tower to a park where children play. They also complained via letters and in a petition. During the hearing, the majority of the Advisory Planning Commission vetoed Verizon’s proposal.
According to Commission Member Ben Weimert, “It was not persuasive that every option has been exhausted.”
Lewis Martin, president of Martin Consulting who’s working with Verizon, is trying to prepare the town for 5G and they’re already seeing coverage issues. “This is the last resort to build a new tower,” Martin said. He added that his plan for the tower will have the least impact on the area both conceptually and visually, reported Sun This Week.
The Eagan City Council has final say over the matter and is scheduled to review the motion on April 3.
March 30, 2018
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