City OKs cell phone tower

FLORENCE - Some cell phone reception may get a bit clearer in an East Florence pocket.

The Florence Planning Commission gave approval Tuesday for the construction of a 110-foot Verizon cell phone tower on the grounds of Weeden Elementary School.

The tower's location gave some commissioners pause, though, as they questioned whether the looming structure would endanger students or school employees.

Andy Betterton, city councilman and planning commissioner, asked about any safety issues associated with the tower.

Andy Rotenstreich, an attorney representing Verizon, swatted away the stigma associated with phone towers, saying there would be "no health effects" for those subject to continual exposure.

He also said an 8-foot fence will be constructed to dissuade anyone from trying to climb the tower.

He added that Verizon would also be responsible for any problems arising from weather issues.

The commission unanimously approved the move. Verizon is free to begin construction once it receives a building permit.

It does not require approval from City Council.

The Florence Board of Education already had an agreement in place with the company, which calls for $600 in monthly rent for an initial five-year term with the potential to renew at a 2 percent annual rate increase.

Rotenstreich said the closest Verizon tower is on Hough Road.

He said the new tower will expand coverage in the Weeden Heights area and help alleviate the burden at the nearest call center.

Unlike similar towers, where various elements hang off the main pole, each component will lie within the cylinder-shaped structure, making it look like a "tall power pole," Rotenstreich said.

The company previously sought to add on to an existing tower but received no suitors. They also were unsuccessful in landing a contract in more industrial areas, which receive higher priority for such projects, according to the city's wireless communications ordinance.

Brian Hughes can be reached at 740-5720 or brian.hughes@TimesDaily.com.