flagstaff cell tower project up for review

Members of the Flagstaff Planning and Zoning Commission are reviewing a project calling for the construction of a 65-foot tall cell tower on the northeast side of the city.
The tower, which will be operated by Verizon Wireless, will have a stealth ponderosa design to fit in with surrounding woods, and will go up at 3600 North Fourth Street behind the Trinity Heights Methodist Church.
Verizon officials say the tower, which has already secured the recommendation of the planning and zoning commission’s staff, is needed to provide better service to a growing part of Flagstaff. 
But residents who live in the nearby Shadow Mountain neighborhood say the tower is too large for the area and have raised concerns, given its close proximity to what is known as Mount Elden Environmental Study Area.
That area is a section of land set aside more than 40 years ago by the U.S. Forest Service as a natural preserve for study.
Project opponents have suggested that the tower would be better suited for a more commercial site. 
In their January meeting, commission members put off making a decision on the project, noting that, as required by law, a public meeting specifically related to the tower has yet to be held.
That meeting is now scheduled for February 13. 

By Garry Boulard

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