GP Woods council approves cell tower variance despite resident objections
Forty angry residents told Grosse Pointe Woods City Council Monday (June 21) they oppose the city letting AT&T build a 100-foot-tall cell phone tower in their neighborhood. They left unhappy with the 5-2 vote in favor of allowing the structure.
AT&T Mobility of Brighton had requested two variances to install a 100-foot stealth flagpole-style support structure with antennas concealed inside on City property at 1200 Parkway Drive. The variances were required for an 88-foot setback from residential lots and for a 100-foot setback from nonresidential (DPW building).
Prior to the hearing, residents Maryanne D’Arca and George Lilly commented on how they were notified of the proposed variances to allow the tower and what it would do to the neighborhood.
Lilly whose home is on Edmunton, said, “We will be there tonight to express our opposition to the city allowing the variance. They sent a postcard like you would send on a vacation to your mother or brother. We went to our neighbors. People are busy and a postcard comes in, they throw it away, set it aside or forget about it. About half didn’t remember getting postcards that were supposedly mailed out on the 6th or 7th of June.” His concern was with health issues, property value and the way the city notified them.
D’Arca, who also lives on Edmunton said, “I don’t think it would be a good thing! I don’t think that we will benefit from it. Perhaps (it will be beneficial) financially for the city. We are just dealing with construction that began about a month ago. Our streets are all torn up! There are other sites, like Woods Park, Mack and Moross that would be better and not affect people’s property values.”
Along with other opposing residents at the hearing, Dave Bergeron shared his view, “I do believe that at this point this is pretty much a done deal. I am against the variances.” An emotional Bergeron tried to pull himself together, "Why I live here …, schools, services, the community appearance.” Bergeron said, “I can’t put my boat in my yard. I have to restrict my yard signs ... Why do we do it? We do it for the good of the community. Tell me it’s for the greater good. Don’t tell me it’s for the dollars. I think it is for the revenue. Come to us and tell us why you need (money). I would volunteer to try to get you additional funds. I love this city, but you got to keep it what it is.“
After Bergeron finished speaking, opposing residents applauded and roared with approval. Other concerns were noise levels, construction, damage to homes and the health of the children.
On the money question, City Attorney Don Berschback said, “The city would receive $20,000 up front and $1,900 a month.” According to an AT&T representative, “co-carriers” such as Sprint also will use the wireless tower. When Mayor Robert Novitke asked how much co-carriers would pay the city, Berschback explained that it would depend on the size of the ground lease.
Michael Fuller, planning commission chair, maintained his support for the variances. “To have cell phone wireless access is valuable to our city,” he said. “I’m not ambivalent. This city needs to move forward. Cell phones are like basic utilities.” His original concerns were about the appearance and fall zone as it pertained to the city buildings on the property. AT&T’s representative explained that the antennas will only go off inside the pole and that the poll is designed to fall on itself.
The variances were approved with the condition that a sealed letter be obtained from a licensed structural engineer indicating how the pole would collapse and verifying that the proposed setback from the residential lots would be adequate. Council members Victoria A. Granger and Lisa Pinkos Howle opposed the variances. The matter now goes back to the planning commission for a final recommendation. After that it will go back to city council for final approval or denial.
In other business, the council also presented Public Safety Awards to Officers James Arthur, Walter Galat, and James Lefurgey. Public Safety Director Al Fincham explained the reason for the award. “On May 26, these officers responded for a victim in cardiac distress,” he said. “They initiated life-saving procedures. I deem as the highest professional standard, the saving of a human life.”
Council also approved:
- A road-salt contract for $46,110.
- A 2010 concrete pavement repair program, not to exceed $136,000,
- A municipal court recording clerk contract for up to $7,000 with further approval of City Council.
- The 5th annual bike decorating contest on July 15 on the front lawn of City Hall.
