Although different versions continue to be presented to the City Council, Jennings City, LA has yet to find a cell tower proposal that residents deem satisfactory. As the American Press reports, efforts by AT&T Mobility to have a parcel rezoned from residential to commercial have been met with active resistance. Both neighbors and local aviators have argued that an 80-foot monopole at 1737 North Cutting Avenue is both unwelcome, and potentially problematic for pilots.
The zoning issue has come up before but was left unresolved after concerns were expressed by both Jennings Airport and the Mosquito Abatement Authority. Airport officials have recommended limiting the height of the potential cell tower, which was originally imagined as 145-feet tall. The current proposal asks for an 80-foot tower with a 5-foot lightning rod. AT&T has said this is the minimum tower height that would still provide effective coverage.
Representing AT&T, attorney Laura Carlisle, said that the latest application includes the lower height requested, but would also require the city to rezone the property under a C-2 designation. “I do understand there are some concerns with commercialization,” said Carlisle, “But to that extent you can leave it at A-2 (residential) and still allow for the tower.” As with previous attempts, the revised application was unanimously rejected by the Jenning City Council.
“I walked the neighborhood and spoke with the families and the vast majority were opposed to rezoning and did not want a tower in that neighborhood,” Councilman Clifton Lejeune told American Press. “As a representative of that community, I am opposed to it based on that.”
“I think the fear is the creation of spot zones,” noted Mayor Henry Guinn. “You could open Pandora’s box if you start going throughout the city of Jennings and each resident enters into a contract with a cellular company or provider and next thing you know you have cell towers popping up all over the place.” Guinn added that he was aware the current request from AT&T was not popular with residents and encouraged the company to find a more acceptable location that will still meet connectivity needs for the area.
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