CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The St. Bethlehem community is questioning a new addition to the neighborhood that could potentially create problems for its residents.
According to the Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission, Verizon Wireless has applied to construct a 100-foot Communications Tower on a vacant lot owned by St. Bethlehem United Methodist Church.
The lot is located at the intersection of Rossview Rd. and Old Russellville Pike.
Since the announcement about the cell tower was made, many residents have placed signs in their yards to protest the construction.
Residents say they are concerned about the health and safety risks associated with a cell phone tower, as well as the effect the structure may have on property values.
After several people in the neighborhood complained, the church called a meeting Thursday, July 16 to field questions from area residents.
Bill Booth, Church Council Chair, said the two-and-a-half hour listening session gave concerned neighbors a chance to voice their opinions.
“The purpose was to hear their concerns and to try to disseminate facts about this project,” he said in the church’s official statement. “We are in the process of gathering the best information available concerning this issue so that our leadership can make an informed decision. We want to continue to serve our community and be a viable organization for Christ for the next 125 years.”
In an open letter written after the meeting, St. Bethlehem resident Frances McKillip explained the neighborhood’s fears.
“There is no doubt this 100-foot tower will be an eyesore in the middle of the Rossview/Old Russellville Pike intersection. Property value will plummet for surrounding blocks of this giant tower,” McKillip said in the letter.
McKillip also fears for the future of the Historical Country Woman’s Club, which is located across from the proposed construction site.
“The St. Bethlehem community believes that there are plenty of viable, reasonable options for the location of this tower that would be out of the neighborhood,” the letter states. “While everyone recognizes that there is a need for better cell coverage, the community is opposed to the inappropriate location of cell sites. It is essential that steps be taken to locate these sites where they would be the least intrusive and have the lowest impact on the daily lives of the people who live, work, study and play in this community.”
McKillip said the church shows a “lack of interest” in the community’s concerns.
The Regional Planning Commission will consider the case during a meeting September 23. The community is welcome to attend the public hearing portion of the meeting at 2 p.m.
RELATED CONTENT LETTER: Statement from St. Bethlehem United Methodist Church regarding cell tower
LETTER: Controversial cell tower to be erected in neighborhood by St. Bethlehem United Methodist Church