Although a similar cell tower was built three miles away in 2021, AT&T encountered opposition when it announced plans for another cell tower in Sedgwick County near Derby, KS. The new tower will not require warning lights, though there will be lights on site during the construction phase. As the Wichita Eagle reports, the new tower will occupy a 70-by-70 foot agricultural plot. There are only three homes within 1,000 feet of the structure, and another six within a 1,500-foot radius in a region that is mostly farmland.
A handful of protesters showed up to confront the Derby Planning Commission armed with the usual complaints about the possible impact on property values, and phantom health concerns. There were also concerns expressed about the visibility of the proposed cell tower, along with questions about why that particular site was selected. Earlier in 2023, the Derby Planning Commission sided with the protesters, but was later overruled by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission.
When asked why the cell tower was needed, an AT&T representative responded, “This cell site is part of our ongoing investment to improve wireless service for our Sedgwick County customers. We look forward to enhancing the area’s wireless capacity and providing residents and first responders with faster, more reliable service.” AT&T estimates it will take six to eight weeks to install the new cell tower.
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