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Town 'N Country

Proposed flagpole would hide cell tower

T-Mobile says it would enhance coverage and 911 capability, but residents are concerned about aesthetics and the ability to expand in the future.

By AMBER MOBLEY
Published August 19, 2005

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - From Hillsborough taxpayers to T-Mobile users, a lot of people could "get more," as the slogan goes, from a proposed cellular tower in Town 'N Country.

Still, county and T-Mobile representatives face questions about the proposed structure at Waters Avenue near Sheldon Road.

Although fewer than six residents attended a public meeting about the tower Monday night, the two sides still volleyed questions, answers and details about the flagpolelike cellular service device.

Some raised the possibility that the pole could decrease the aesthetic value of the area and restrict future expansion of the Northwest Hillsborough YMCA. The facility needs additional space for activities, said Carlton Lewis Jr., a member of that branch's board of directors.

The land next to the YMCA is an optimal location for T-Mobile to provide service, said Buck Harvester, manager of the property management section of Hillsborough County's real estate department.

"Is everyone happy with that at this point? The answer is no," Harvester said. The pole might need to be bigger if it's not located next to the YMCA, Harvester said. A new location might also lead toe more than one pole. T-Mobile and the county are negotiating possible contract agreements, Harvester said, declining to speculate about the rental revenues. Nor is it clear what perks T-Mobile might make available for the YMCA and the surrounding community. T-Mobile first approached the county in January about erecting the cellular service tower next to the YMCA. While nothing is final, the company envisions a relatively short pole at about 150 feet. All the wiring and antennae would be stored inside the long, slender metal shaft, and Old Glory would fly from the pole.

Bill Christie of Countryway asked about flag maintenance and proper flag etiquette, such as keeping the flag illuminated at night and flying it at half-staff at the appropriate times. T-Mobile will maintain the flag, its equipment and the 6-foot tall fence and landscaping that would surround the 35-foot-wide- by 100-foot-long concrete block helping support the pole.

T-Mobile representatives said the pole would help keep its customers safer by providing more "enhanced 911" capabilities.

"Our concern is if we're in areas where we're light on service or that (911) call gets blocked, it puts our customers at risk," said T-Mobile's south region development manager, Josh Lonn.

Adding the pole would allow T-Mobile to find a customer within about 164 feet of his actual location when he dials 911. And, Lonn said, the pole would increase T-Mobile's service capacity, which means fewer dropped and blocked calls and faster network access during peak hours.

Monday's meeting was the first in a series. Another is planned for Tuesday at the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library, 11211 Countryway Blvd., from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

[Last modified August 18, 2005, 11:46:08]