The Gray, GA City Council unanimously denied a request for a 250-foot tower during its July 11 meeting. The James County News reported that the application submitted by CitySwitch requested reduced setbacks and a conditional use permit.
A representative from AT&T in attendance supported the request, stating the carrier would locate on the tower, providing better service for customers. Attorney Ivy Cadle for CitySwitch also spoke in favor of the project, stating the proposed tower location sits on 1.3 acres of land owned by Norfolk Southern Railway. He noted that the railway would colocate on the tower. “Simply put, SBA has a monopoly on communications towers, and they need competition,” Cadle added.
Attendance also included opponents. Councilman David Tufts said CitySwitch just wants to save money by building a tower instead of leasing one from SBA, reported the James County News. Another detractor, James Nobles, said he represented residents who opposed the tower in favor of protecting the scenic byway. The proposed tower site would sit at the beginning of the byway.
“It will be a monstrosity and will impact our historical resources,” Nobles stated. Additionally, Gray Downtown Development Authority Chairman Sherri Rollins presented a resolution from its members opposing the tower to protect the byway.
Other concerns included adversely impacting historic property and visual pollution. “Gray is a beautiful little town. We need to keep it less cluttered,” said resident Malcom Smith. “The tower will be an eyesore.”
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