Published: May 22, 2008 04:54 pm      

Planners reject cell tower

In a 4–3 vote, the Madison County Planning Commission on Tuesday evening rejected Cellular One’s plans to build a cell phone tower on Joe’s Lick Knob east of Berea.

The 190-foot guyed tower would sit on a shelf to the knob’s northeast side, about 300 feet above the surrounding area.

The tower could be used by three other providers and would provide cell phone service to the Red Lick and Big Hill areas along US 421, where it is now unavailable, said Cellular One engineer David Yancey.

The Federal Aviation Administration would not require aircraft warning lights on the tower, he said.

Commissioner Paula Maionchi, who also serves on the county’s 911 emergency communications board, said fire and police units dispatched to the area sometimes return to the junction of KY 1016 and US 421 junction if they must communicate with dispatchers.

She asked if Cellular One would make the tower available for 911 communications, and Yancey said that had been the company’s past practice.

Several neighboring residents and property owners spoke against permitting the tower, saying it would reduce property values by detracting from the area’s scenic view and historic significance.

“I would rather preserve the serenity of the area than have cell phone service,” said Dr. Teresa Scherf, a Cellular One customer who said she has operated a retreat ministry at the east foot of the knob for the past 15 years.

William Coble, a retired airline pilot, said he and his wife purchased the south face of the knob up to its peak and moved to its foots about 10 years ago because of its natural beauty.

The knob was used as a landmark on the Wilderness Road, according to James S. Chenault, who said he purchased the knob’s western face up to its peak about 50 years ago to preserve it.

The knob also lies in the viewshed of Battlefield Park, said Robert Moody, who has been active in the Battle of Richmond Association.

The county’s comprehensive plan, however, does not list the knob as a protected cultural or historic site, said Duane Curry, the county’s codes and planning administrator.

Commission Chair Robert Farmer said the profile of a guyed tower without lighting would cause minimal visual disruption.

“I can understand why people would be opposed to this tower, but we certainly need cell phone service in that part of the county,” said Commissioner Wanda Pennington.

Commissioner David Bohannon moved to reject the plan, “because it would adversely affect a historic site, impair the scenic view and because the applicant had failed to show that not an alternative site was unavailable.”

Bohannon and Maionchi were joined in the vote by commissioners Chandler Combs and William Witt.

Farmer, Pennington and Gary Hart voted against the motion.

In other action, the commission voted to recommend rezoning — from agricultural to interstate corridor commercial — two acres at the intersection of Boonesborough Road and Shearer Drive owned by Jackson Environmental Consulting.

The plat had been revised since the commission’s April meeting, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet had approved the proposed entrance from Shearer Drive, Curry said.

A minor plat for Mikel Perkins on Barker Lane near Berea also was approved.

Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 623-1669, Ext. 267.