Despite the existence of numerous cell phone coverage "dead zones" within Bellevue, the city's Planning and Zoning Commission decided not to approve the Ketchum-based Idaho Tower Co.'s proposal for a new cell tower in the city.
At a special meeting of the P&Z on Monday, May 14, members of both the commission and public listened to Idaho Tower representative Jennifer Campbell, as she explained the benefits of constructing the 100-foot "monopole."
In order to build a tower of this height, Idaho Tower was required to request a variance to the city ordinance that allows a maximum height of 40 feet in a light-industrial zone.
The proposed tower would be located northeast of the U.S. Bank branch in Bellevue, approximately 170 feet east of Main Street, in a non-improved street system.
Campbell said Edge Wireless would be the "anchor tenant" of the tower, although she expected other active carriers, such as Verizon and Alltel, to simultaneously utilize it in the future.
This location would allow for better coverage in buildings throughout the city, as well as to outlying residential communities, including the Muldoon and Slaughterhouse subdivisions, Campbell said.
In addition to the increased cell coverage, the proposal could also bring revenue into the city, although any financial negotiations would take place with Bellevue's City Council, not the P&Z.
These benefits were not lost on the attending public, a number of whom vocally supported the proposal on grounds that the current lack of coverage creates a safety issue.
P&Z Administrator Craig Eckles said Tuesday that the numerous spots where coverage becomes inaudible also creates hazards for law enforcement officers who have to depend on reliable and instantaneous communication.
In light of the numerous arguments for the proposal, the P&Z spent nearly four hours listening to the applicant and commentary from the public, as well as discussing the issue amongst themselves.
"Variances are not easy," said Eckles, referring to the difficult decision the commission faced.
In the end, however, the commissioners unanimously decided the tower in its proposed location would negatively affect the scenic vistas, aesthetic values, and small town character that Bellevue strives to maintain.
Although the P&Z denied the request for the variance, the Idaho Tower Co. can appeal the decision to the City Council.
