Chubbuck gives initial approval for controversial cell tower

T-Mobile has cleared its first hurdle in getting permission to build an 80-foot monopole cell tower in Chubbuck’s Stuart Park.

Tuesday night the city’s Land Use and Development Commission approved T-Mobile’s application over the objections of more than 50 people who turned out to speak against the tower.

But the tower is far from a done deal.

A representative for T-Mobile told Local News 8 there will be a 25-day appeal period, after which the company will be able to apply for a building permit.

T-Mobile’s proposal calls for the tower to be built in the northwest corner of the park surrounded by a chain-link fence.

They said it would be constructed with a fell point, meaning it would never be in danger of completely falling over.

But those who spoke at Tuesday’s hearing voiced concerned about this setting precedent for other private developments encroaching on public parks. They also expressed concerns about possible radiation.