Early last year, AT&T filed a federal lawsuit against the City Council claiming that the town had insufficient justification for turning down the request to install a cell tower. With that lawsuit still proceeding, a newly seated Council is reviewing AT&T’s revised proposal. According to Yahoo News, the new proposal would be located further away from nearby residents and would feature a design that is as discreet as possible. Though the 175-height would be the same, a monopole design with internal antennas was suggested in place of a traditional monopole or monopine arrangement.
“We understand the importance of keeping our customers connected and we continue to look for ways to improve our network and provide better service through additional investments in St. Joseph,” stated an AT&T spokesperson. “This proposed cell site will enhance the area’s coverage and provide residents and first responders with faster, more reliable wireless service.”
The City Council will hold a public hearing to discuss the proposal on January 9. Though no official response has been communicated, some of the same neighbors who complained before were quick to jump back into the ring. [The Council] has to just be smart about the battle and look at what areas they can deny them for,” resident Everet Hoffman told the News. “That’s what we tried to hone in on last time. There are a lot of areas we’d like to complain about but they can’t take those into consideration. But they can look at the fact that it’s zoned residential for a reason, that it’s involved in three subdivisions and that it will change the site lines forever.”
“We’ve been here for many years, so we should have a say in what goes on here,” agreed neighbor, Jean Pawlowski. “A tall metal commercial tower is not compatible in a residential neighborhood.”
In previous statements, AT&T has said that better connectivity in the area is necessary because emergency services are hampered by dead spots. While the matter is slated for discussion in January, the lawsuit, which is due to hit the court in February, will have a much greater impact on whether or not AT&T can move ahead with the proposed Saint Joseph cell tower.
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