<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3XggEv_1GrNFzFc00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3XggEv_1GrNFzFc00" width="1200" height="630" >Plans to construct two telecommunications towers in Hawarden took a different direction Friday morning, Oct. 30, when the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted against a proposed tower near downtown while supporting another location and a possible alternative site to the one they voted down.Premier Communications is seeking approval to construct two self-supporting telecommunications towers in Hawarden, including a 90-foot tower originally proposed at its business at 1017 Central Ave. and a 100-foot tower at 1305 23rd St., east of the Youth for Christ Teen Center.During Friday’s meeting, commission members Terry Shea, Mike Wiggins, Boe Boyer and Jared Boyer voted 4-0 against recommending approval of the Central Avenue location, citing concerns about the tower’s proximity to downtown and its potential impact on the appearance of the community.Rather than reject the possibility of another tower altogether, commission members encouraged Premier to consider an alternative location farther from downtown.City administrator Jacob Stoner said he had discussed another possible location with Premier, southeast of the depot building near the end of Central Avenue. The property is currently owned by Hawarden Feed &amp; Grain.Commission members voted 4-0 in support of the alternative location, provided the proposed tower can meet applicable zoning and height requirements.The alternative site would still need to go through the required approval process.<h2>Location raises concerns</h2>Premier’s original application proposed constructing a 90-foot tower at 1017 Central Ave., with an estimated construction cost of $80,400.The property is located in the city’s B-2 Commercial District, which allows communication services through a special exception. The district normally limits structures to a maximum height of 75 feet, although the city’s ordinance allows additional height through a special exception within certain limits.Commission members expressed reservations about allowing a tower of that height so close to downtown, particularly because of its visual impact on the surrounding area.Questions also arose about the structural safety of the tower, including what could happen if it collapsed.Despite the concerns, discussion centered on whether Premier could accomplish its goals at another location rather than placing the tower near the downtown business district.The commission ultimately voted unanimously against recommending approval of the original Central Avenue location.<h2>Alternative site considered</h2>Stoner identified property southeast of the depot building, currently owned by Hawarden Feed &amp; Grain, as a possible alternative for the tower.The location would move the proposed structure away from the original site near downtown.During the discussion, questions arose about the maximum allowable height for structures at the alternative location.Stoner said his initial review identified a possible 30-foot height restriction, but he is continuing to research the city’s zoning ordinance to determine whether that limitation applies to the property.The restriction has not yet been confirmed, and Stoner noted that other structures in the area exceed 30 feet.Commission members expressed support for pursuing the alternative location, contingent upon clarification of the applicable zoning and height requirements.Wiggins also expressed concern about potentially losing an opportunity for development in Hawarden.“We missed the opportunity to sell to these people,” Wiggins said. “My opinion is it’s a go.”The commission voted unanimously in support of the alternative location, although additional review and approval would be necessary before construction could proceed.<h2>Teen Center tower</h2>The commission also reviewed Premier’s request to construct a 100-foot telecommunications tower at 1305 23rd St., near the Youth for Christ Teen Center.The proposed tower would be located on the east side of the Teen Center property.According to Premier’s building permit application, the project has an estimated construction cost of $85,394.Commission members discussed safety considerations, including whether the tower could strike the Teen Center building in the event of a structural failure.Shea also raised concerns about children potentially attempting to climb the tower.Despite those questions, the commission voted to recommend approval of the proposed 100-foot tower at the Teen Center location.Stoner said Premier would need permission from Youth for Christ to construct a tower on its property.<h2>Final decisions still ahead</h2>Although the Planning and Zoning Commission voted on the proposals Friday, its recommendations do not constitute final approval.Stoner explained that the commission serves as the first step in the process, with recommendations forwarded to the city’s Board of Zoning Adjustment.“They send their recommendation to the Board of Zoning Adjustment,” Stoner said. “That board has the final authority.”The Board of Zoning Adjustment will hold a public meeting and hearing before making its decision, providing residents an opportunity to express support or opposition.Stoner said the city must publish notice of the hearing in the newspaper, post information on the city’s bulletin board and mail notices to property owners within 300 feet of the proposed locations.“These towers require special exception to be allowed to be built,” Stoner said. “Anyone can voice their opinion for or against them at the meetings.”If a special exception is granted, the approval generally remains valid for one year unless the board authorizes a longer period.Purpose of towers remains unclearWhile Premier’s applications identify telecommunications services as the intended use of the towers, additional details about the company’s plans have not been provided to the city.Stoner said Premier has not specified whether the towers would improve existing internet service, expand coverage, increase capacity or serve another telecommunications purpose.The company also has not provided a detailed explanation of why two towers are needed or why the original locations were selected.Asked whether the proposed investment would improve Hawarden’s telecommunications infrastructure or provide economic development benefits, Stoner said he believes the towers would introduce additional competition rather than improve the city’s existing services.“I believe this would compete against HiTec, not improve our own infrastructure,” Stoner said. “I believe our current telecom services are great for our businesses and residents.”The proposals now await further consideration through the city’s zoning approval process, with the Board of Zoning Adjustment responsible for making the final decisions on the requested exceptions.</div></body>

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Plans to construct two telecommunications towers in Hawarden took a different direction Friday morning, Oct. 30, when the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted against a proposed tower near downtown while supporting another location and a possible alternative site to the one they voted down. Premier Communications is seeking...

Planning commission rejects downtown tower

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Plans to construct two telecommunications towers in Hawarden took a different direction Friday morning, Oct. 30, when the city’s Planning and Zoning Commis

Planning commission rejects downtown tower

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