West Memphis west side in a cellular ‘dead zone’
Tilden Rodgers Park being looked at for tower site
news@theeveningtimes.com
Just ask anybody living or working on the west end of West Memphis, the cell phone service becomes overloaded everyday, especially during business hours. TVT I, LLC asked city council for a lease option for a lot at Tilden Rodgers Park with hopes an additional tower could improve customer service.
City council gave permission to the mayor to sign the option. Councilman Tracy Catt was the sole dissenter.
Catt contended there were too many unknowns. The location within the park remained undetermined.
“Specifics are not locked in,” said City Treasurer Frank Martin.
“If we vote today, I will vote no,” said Catt. “I don’t see it being out there. It a huge investment that I just don’t see. I’m waiting for more extensive information.”
The option provided a two year window to gain all the federal permissions. Federal Communications requirement were one hurdle. The park proximity to the airport created another obstacle with the Federal Aviation Administration and the West Memphis airport commission considerations. The airport booted the last cell nearby tower prospect four years ago.
“We’ve looked at site that does not interfere with operations or the planned expansion of facilities at the park including trails,” said Economic Development Director Phillip Sorrell. “At this point in the discussions it would have to be contingent for review with the (park) architects and not interfere any improvements.”
The tower may be disguised.
“We have not picked a design,” said City Planning Director Paul Luker, A possibility is that it would look like a tree.”
The cell tower company cannot even explore government approvals without the lease option.
“Before they can pursue FAA approval, they have to have this lease approval. It would still have to come back through our special use permit board, through the planning commission and then city council,” said Luker.
