Skyway Towers LLC has applied for a special permit to build a T-Mobile cell tower disguised as a pine tree on property owned by the Cultural Foundation of the Philippines.
WESTCHASE, Fla. — A cell phone tower about the same height as Busch Gardens’ Iron Gwazi is currently proposed to be built just outside the Westchase neighborhood.
Neighbors say, “It’s not in my backyard.”
The proposed permit was submitted to the Hillsborough County Land Use Hearing Officer Monday morning. The venue was standing room only as counterprotesting neighbors dressed in red voiced concerns about a 195-foot cell phone tower looming over their neighborhood.
Tampa-based Skyway Towers LLC has applied for a special permit to build a T-Mobile cell tower disguised as a pine tree on property owned by the Cultural Foundation of the Philippines on Nine Eagles Drive. ing. At Monday’s meeting, they explained that T-Mobile needs to fill gaps in coverage in the area.
“To provide reliable, ultra-high capacity 5G coverage, this tower at this height is needed for that purpose,” said Byron Elkins, T-Mobile radio frequency engineer.
Neighbors opposed to the plan cited aesthetic and safety concerns, including the possibility of the steel needles in the “pine tree design” falling during heavy storms.
“What happens if you fall?” Chris Evanich said. “What if the tower falls on the road and blocks access?”
Due to FCC regulations, local governments may not take into account concerns about potential health effects.
“This is based on the environmental impact of radio frequency emissions depending on the degree to which such facilities comply with FCC guidelines,” Hillsborough County officials explained at Monday’s meeting.
Neighbors said they felt it was unfair.
Amanda Shifter, vice president of the Waterchase Home Owners Association, said: “There are definitely some residents who feel this could affect their health, so it’s unfortunate that they’re not allowed to talk about it.” ” he said.
Skyway Towers LLC said permit approvals should be determined strictly on legality, not on the sentiments of local residents.
“Of course, this is not the place to decide what the code should be,” said Jamie Meyer, an attorney representing Skyway Towers LLC. “Now is the time to apply these regulations and make sure they are happy.”
Hillsborough County Land Use Hearing Officers now have 15 days to make a decision on the permit.
The Cultural Foundation of the Philippines did not respond to requests for comment.
