Residents on the south side of Lake Havasu City are expressing concern after learning of plans to build a 105-foot communications tower on the south side of the city, not far from SARA Park.
Scott Dwitz, who lives in the area, said he has spoken with about 30 neighbors who oppose the project since learning about it.
The tower is planned for the site at 3284 Chanute Dr. It is located near a hill with a peace sign installed over 20 years ago, and the access road to the area is between two houses.
“We're right next to the easement, so the neighbors will be looking right at it along with everyone else,” DeWitz said.
Scott's wife, Deborah, said it would be placed in the backyard, where people often recreate.
“I take my dog for a walk up that hill, and there are people riding mountain bikes outside. This is not the place to do that,” she said.
Suzanne Wheeler and Ford Clyde, who also live in the area, said there are several issues, including the tower's size, proximity to homes and access to maintenance.
“If you think about it, this is a 10-story tower,” Wheeler said. “That area would be completely surrounded by residential buildings, so he would actually probably be set up in the backyards of six people's homes and maintenance vehicles going in and out of the road to the tower.”
Both Clyde and Wheeler said it's unclear why such a large structure is needed.
According to zoning notices posted in the area, the communications tower will be designed to host three separate carriers in addition to providing access to local communications.
“Obviously, we can only speak for ourselves, but from AT&T and T-Mobile, there's no problem with coverage here,” Clyde said.
DeWitz said he had no problems getting cell phone service in the area and saw people using cell phones all the time.
The tower is just one of three proposed by Scottsdale's Young Design Corporation.
The second tower will be located at 2330 N. McCulloch Blvd near City Hall and will be 85 feet tall.
The third building, located in a separate residential area, will be 100 feet tall and will be located near the residence at 1867 Walnut Dr., next to the Mulberry wastewater treatment plant.
Both of these properties are owned by the city.
Young Design Corp. is scheduled to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission in early March to seek three key conditional use permits to build the tower.
The March 6 meeting is open to the public and begins at 9 a.m. at 2360 N. McCulloch Blvd.
