Trigg County is set to receive another cellphone tower after the Cadiz-Trigg County Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday night in favor of an application by AT&T. It is the third tower approved by the commission since November of last year.
This latest tower is to be constructed in the northeastern part of the county along Buffalo Cerulean Road, approximately 1.5 miles south of Cerulean. The 255-foot-tall tower is to be built on a parcel of land in an unincorporated area owned by Lela Grigsby, according to AT&T attorney Keith Brown.
Like one of the previous applications, Tuesday’s was met with some disapproval from nearby residents. Though they did not appear in person at the meeting, several of them submitted complaints via letter.
John B. and Lena Mae Shirk say in their letter that they understand the need for the technology but would rather the tower be constructed further from their home. Lloyd Horning, who lives a few thousand feet from the site, was concerned it would be a health hazard and requested the commission reconsider.
Meanwhile, Brown says the tower’s location was selected by engineers, who determined it would be the best location for maximum coverage and cost-effectiveness. He adds the additional tower will not only increase coverage in that part of the county but will also expand FirstNet, a telecommunications network specifically for first responders.
Those benefits, according to Brown, are part of a balance sought between minor inconveniences and the benefit of improved coverage.
Concerned about the light fixed atop the structure and potential health hazards, Shane Martin shared his thoughts on possible property value reduction. Understanding the balance he writes “However, we appreciate the tolerance and respect shown by the Trigg County Community for our more traditional lifestyle and we would rather accept the proposed tower site, than place a strain on relationships with our neighbors, since we do realize that the public good occasionally requires sacrifice on the part of individual citizens.”
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