Horizon Tower and Wapiti Valley Continue to Lock Horns

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UPDATE Horizon Tower LLC is determined to erect a cell tower in Park County, WY, and a group of Wapiti Valley residents is just as determined to thwart their plans. The two parties have tangled in court but are not likely to see a resolution any time soon,  the Powell Tribune reports. A bench trial is not scheduled to take place until April 2024.

Acting in conjunction with Verizon, Horizon Tower contends that a 195-foot cell tower off North Fort Highway would address significant coverage gaps in the area. The landowner who owns the property for the proposed site has been agreeable to placing a cell tower on his land. 

However, other neighbors contend that a large antenna interrupting their landscape would have “a significant adverse impact” on the view and would be inharmonious with the natural setting. Horizon noted that other areas under consideration would not adequately address the situation, or were already deemed objectionable by local residents.  

“Nobody is opposed to cell service,” County Planning Director Joy Hill told the Tribune, “It’s where the structure is that’s not in harmony.” 

Various deadlines for the legal components of the situation were presented in preparation for the 2024 court date ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Alan Johnson. A summary judgment or settlement could wrap up the dispute earlier, but attorneys representing the county and Horizon stated that they “do not believe there is a basis for formal settlement discussions at this time.” 

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