Politics & Government
Verizon Quashes Cell Tower Plans in Forks
Verizon Wireless tells Forks Township officials that public opposition to putting a cell tower in Community Park would make the proposal an 'uphill battle.'
Verizon Wireless has pulled its proposal to put up a .
Forks Township Zoning Officer Tim Weis said that Verizon Wireless informed him Wednesday that the company would look elsewhere to put up a cell phone tower.
At the last meeting in April, township officials debated the pitch, fearing how its placement in would be a disruption.
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"Verizon said there was a lot of misinformation," Weis said. "They would have an uphill battle to overcome. They didn't want it. It sounded like deja vu."
No mention of Verizon's decision was made at last night's's supervisors meeting.
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In a 3-2 vote at the last meeting, supervisors had decided to move forward with hearing a proposal from Verizon.
The vote was close because supervisors expressed concerns about how much acreage the tower would take up in the park, the financial benefit for Forks Township and the outcry from residents and former Supervisor C. David Howell.
"Verizon felt the public comment was too overwhelming," Howell said. "Supervisors Erik Chuss and David Billings were dismayed by the decision. I'm overjoyed."
Verizon Wireless officials could not be reached for comment Friday.
Weis said that Verizon Wireless has suggested paying the township $20,000 a year for the initial location with fees probably increasing each year. He said Verizon was seeking the same site that T-Mobile suggested -- with the park being the perfect central location to enhance cell phone service -- when it made an unsuccessful pitch to the township for a cell tower a few years back.
"It is a very sad day for Forks cell phone users," Billings said Friday. " It seems we will lose at least $20,400 per year and over $100,000 in the next five years. Our residents may suffer declining cell phone service and slower data speeds as the result of this decision. Finally, this could affect our ability to attract new businesses, as they need a high performing wireless network."
Billings said he was hoping to reach a compromise with Verizon Wireless.
"My intention was for the township to work together with Verizon Wireless to find a location that was acceptable to both parties," he said. "Now we may never get the opportunity to improve our cell phone service in our community."