TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Some Homeowners Say Cell Tower A Bad Call

ADVERTISEMENT

By ANGELA DELGADO, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 19, 2008

COUNTRYWAY - It has been more than a year since the Countryway Home Owners Association accepted T-Mobile's proposal to build a cell phone tower in the neighborhood, and the tower is not up, yet.

For some in the community of 1,553, the delay is a relief; not so much for others.

The association board wants the tower - which will be north of Countryway Hollow Drive, close to Lowry Elementary School - in the community because it will improve cell phone service in the area and bring in revenue for the neighborhood, said James Kannard, president of the association.

T-Mobile has agreed to pay Countryway $1,500 a month for five years, plus $500 a month for each carrier that co-locates on the tower. So far, Sprint has expressed interest, Kannard said.

The tower will be a little more than 150 feet tall, resemble a flagpole and have a flag. It will be 2/10 of a mile from the school, adjacent to the northeast corner of the Countryway baseball field parking lot.

Peter Esseff, who lives in Southview across the street from the proposed site, is against the tower. It will be an eyesore and a potential health hazard for residents, he said.

"We'll all be seeing this day and night," he said. "It's not going to be pleasant."

Esseff has been circulating a petition to the 58 homes in Southview, and so far he has gathered 48 signatures opposing the tower. Three residents opted out of signing. Residents at The Greens, another neighborhood across from the tower sight, also circulated a petition against the tower.

Esseff didn't understand why the board would approve a tower for money. He suggested the board increase dues instead.

Kannard said health concerns are unwarranted, and the community's charter restricts raising community dues by more than 2 percent a year.

"We are limited on what we can do to increase revenues," Kannard said. "This is a good way to make money."

Keith Aschenbrenner, a retired telecommunications specialist who lives in Countryway, said he is in favor of the tower. Although Aschenbrenner won't be as close to the tower as Esseff, he thinks it will benefit the neighborhood.

"From a wireless perspective, you need cell towers so you can provide good service," he said. "If T-Mobile can't get right-of-way here, they'll put it somewhere else and give them money."

Ann Brooks, spokeswoman for T-Mobile, said the company plans on submitting a zoning application in the next 60 to 90 days. Once the application is approved, it may take a year for the tower to go up, Kannard said.

Esseff said he and other residents plan to speak against the tower in the next public hearing, which will likely be at the zoning hearing.

"We're still very much in opposition," he said. "We have a legitimate grievance, and I feel we'll have our voices heard. I think that when anyone comes out here and looks at our community, especially next to the school, next to the baseball field, a stone's throw from homes, they'll see it just doesn't make sense."

Reporter Angela Delgado can be reached at (813) 865-1501 or adelgado@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT