Byron council seeks more data on cellular tower

BYRON — City Council will seek more information before making a decision whether to allow construction of a cellular tower on property along Ga. 49.

The tower would initially be built for the use of AT&T, but would host other carriers in the future, said Andy Rotenstreich, a representative for AT&T and the project. He said the tower is needed to provide coverage to problem spots in the city, north Peach County and along Interstate 75.

Rotenstreich said the proposed tower would be located on property owned by U.S. Technologies at 224 Ga. 49 South. He said it would be 195 feet high and would not require lighting nor cause an audible hum. He said it would be a single pole-type tower rather than a tripod style.

Members of council voiced concern about the tower’s possible visual impact to nearby neighborhoods and to Byron’s downtown historic district.

Rotenstreich told council the tower’s height was selected to accommodate both technical requirements and visual sensibilities in the community.

Rotenstreich agreed to provide council with information on whether the tower could be built at 175 or 185 feet.

Mayor Larry Collins said upon getting the information, the board would vote on the matter at its regular August meeting or at a special called meeting if needed.

In other business, council granted a rezoning request from industrial to commercial for 5.5 acres along Chapman Road, which runs parallel to I-75.

They also agreed to draft a letter to state highway officials generally endorsing a plan to put a stop light at the intersection of W.E. Green Parkway and Ga. 49.

The council also agreed Tuesday agreed to spend $3,876 to buy basketball goals for public property behind the Byron Community Center on Boy Scout Camp Road.