County To Make Call On Cell Tower

By ANGELA DELGADO The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 3, 2008

COUNTRYWAY - For almost two years Countryway residents have been battling for or against the placement of a 155-foot cell tower in their neighborhood. In less than 15 days, they will know whether the cell tower is in or out.

During a zoning hearing Tuesday, Hearing Master Steve Luce listened as T-Mobile attorneys and engineers argued the tower's pros and various residents pointed out its cons.

Attorney Lauralee G. Westine represented T-Mobile, as did engineer Kurt Hahnel. Westine said the tower meets the requirements of the planning commission and community plans. She also mentioned the closest residence to the tower would be at least 300 feet away.

Hahnel pointed out that in the past six months, more than 25 complaints were issued for lack of cell coverage in the area.

"There is a need there, and we believe this would be the right fit to enhance coverage," Hahnel said.

The tower, which will resemble a flag pole and have a flag, will be at 11501 Country Hollow Drive, 2/10 of a mile from Lowry Elementary School, and adjacent to the northeast corner of the Countryway baseball field parking lot.

James Kannard, a member of the Countryway Home Owners Association, was the only person not with T-Mobile to speak in favor of the cell tower.

He mentioned the two public meetings the association held for residents in late 2006 to discuss the tower. The board agreed to lease the land to T-Mobile, although a number of residents in the community had concerns.

Kannard said he is in favor of the tower because it provides better cell phone connections and provides the capability to call 911 for those who use only cell phones in their homes. He also said it would bring in income to the community, and it would be patriotic because the tower would have a flag.

T-Mobile would pay the community $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.

Southview resident Peter Esseff spoke after Kannard and represented those who oppose the tower in his neighborhood.

"The Master [Home Owners] Association's purposes are to promote health, safety and general welfare of residents," Esseff said, stating the purposes from Countryway's Articles of Incorporation. "The agreement reached by the Countryway Master Home Owners Association with T-Mobile accomplishes the opposite of its purpose for existence."

He listed various reasons why he is opposed: danger of radiation, a commercial venture on private community-owned property, an adverse effect on property values and the potential loss of a landing site for emergency helicopters.

Esseff and other residents are also concerned about the loss of recreational space because the tower will take up room where families play.

"This community is land-locked and has no means to expand its recreational areas," he said. "We must protect what we have. The county continues to look for prime recreational land.

"We humbly ask the county not to decide to give it away today to a commercial endeavor.

"There's an overwhelming objection from two adjacent communities against this project," resident Dan Bisaillon said after the meeting.

"They're selling off our property without our permission," added Lu Heine, a Southview resident.

The tower will be directly behind her house.

"I will see this flag pole from every room in my house," she said.

"We do not need the money," added Mei Bisaillon, a resident of The Greens. "If we do need the money, they could raise our dues. But the board lowered the dues."

Luce will make his decision by May 20.

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