T-Mobile files appeal on Methodist tower

T-Mobile has filed an appeal with the City Council on a decision not to allow the company to build a cell tower in a residential neighborhood.

T-Mobile applied for a conditional-use permit to build a cell tower disguised as a bell tower on the Community United Methodist Church’s property on Heil Avenue.

The permit was originally approved by the city’s zoning administrator, but angry neighbors appealed it to the Planning Commission, which denied it.

Residents are concerned the tower will adversely impact their health and property values and are suspicious of T-Mobile’s claims of a coverage gap after conducting their own test.

T-Mobile representatives said the tower is needed to meet customer demand in the area. The company has received complaints and tracked a number of dropped calls and weak signal, officials said.

The issue will go before the City Council.

— Britney Barnes