Cell Tower proposal

by D. Warren
(Lake City, Fl. )

I am a resident who owns a home directly next to and essentially 'underneath' where a 110-foot tower is being proposed on a church property. The proposal is to erect a fake pine tree that will dwarf the other pine trees that are half the size. As a homeowner in this nice quiet community, and as a parent with 2 young toddlers, I am very concerned with this proposal and will be voicing my opposition to it. The carrier is requesting a special exception variance from the City for this project as the tower is too close to 12 homes in my neighborhood, mine being the closest. There is a large community protest on this proposal and I am concerned that the carrier has not provided the City with accurate information as it relates to their claims that there are "no other locations suitable for collocation". I'm not sure what their definition is of "not suitable for collactation" is. I have a feeling it may not be 'financially suitable' for them as opposed to it not being 'operationally suitable'. I have done quite a bit of research and found that there are 11 other towers within a 1.5 mile area that are the same height or taller. I do not believe the carrier has actually even checked with these potential candidates although I am not 100% certain. I am going to try to call the owners of these towers (most are other carriers) and see if they will provide me with that information. Do you have any suggestions that may help me? Also, can you advise if it is in the carriers best 'financial interest' to avoid collocating as opposed to building their own tower? I believe this is what the matter actually comes down to. Any help would be greatly appreciated. D. Warren, Lake City Fl. email me at dwa5824948@aol.com Thank you!!