Controversial Proposed Cell Tower Project Denied By Gwinnett Commissioners

DACULA, GA — A proposal to bring a cell tower to a Dacula residential neighborhood was denied Tuesday evening by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. The vote was unanimous.

“It is incredible,” said resident Candice Lange after the public hearing. “It brings hope during a time when we feel we can’t trust our government and this showed us that a community coming together can make a difference. We still gave 30 days that they can appeal, but I pray they don’t. I appreciate the board seeing through the deception and protecting their citizens.”

District 3 Commissioner Jasper Watkins tabled the proposal last month because the applicant requested additional time. CitySwitch, an Atlanta-based wireless developer, had proposed the 150-foot tower for 4.95-acres of land at 3625 Hog Mountain Road, adjacent to a goat farm and near Little Mulberry Park. Residents of the Hamilton Mill group had publicly voiced their opposition due to health and safety concerns with the board last month and were prepared to pursue legal action if the proposal was approved. An online petition organized by resident Beverly McLee had collected 994 signatures of the 1,000 goal by Tuesday.

Radio frequency engineer, Chris Horn, was brought in to share his expert opinion with the board. He said the applicant wouldn’t be able to provide alternative locations citing technical reasons. If the equipment is placed on another tower nearby, even a couple of miles away, the signal wouldn’t reach the targeted area, he said. The current signal levels around the proposed site are low, Horn said, which is why AT&T wants to broaden its coverage area.

Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson asked CitySwitch’s attorney, Andy Rotenstreich, “Who asked for this?”

“The meeting?”

“The tall structure,” Hendrickson said.

“CitySwitch because of AT&T’s needs,” he said.

“Because of AT&T’s needs,” Hendrickson said, “not the needs of the community because I have a petition here of more than 670 people that say they don't need it and don't want it.”

“People may not like the location or what we're doing, but you know, we're not doing this for our health,” Rotenstreich said. “There's a need for the signal.”

Last week, the Hamilton Mills group met with Rotenstreich after previous attempts to have a discussion failed. At the private informational meeting residents said they tried to learn more about the project, but not much information was provided. The dialogue with the applicant’s attorney did nothing to change their minds.

Watkins was invited to that meeting, but didn’t attend. He addressed the board Tuesday offering his reasons.

“I appreciate the applicant and members of the community meeting last week on November 10 to discuss the proposed tall structure permit application,” he said. “I appreciate the invitation to attend this meeting. However, I did not attend to allow free discussion between the applicant and community, and to avoid this meeting becoming a public hearing without my fellow commissioners being present.”

Watkins, who said he personally visited the proposed site, agreed with the Hamilton Mills group.

“The proposed tower would be out of character with the residential area and the county’s park,” he said.

Related:

• Dacula Residents Say No To Proposed Wireless Cell Tower Near Park
• Public Hearing In Dacula Tonight: Residents Against Cell Tower
• Commissioner Watkins Tables Controversial Dacula Tower Proposal
• Concerns Still Linger After Residents Meet Cell Tower Developer